Heavy rains can turn Arizona terrain unstable and cause occasional land and mudslides. Debris flows be incredibly destructive, but you can take precautions ahead of time.

BE prepared

Before a landslide or mudslide, there are precautions that you can take to improve your safety:

·         Do not build near steep slopes, mountain edges, drainage ways or natural erosion valleys.

·         Get a ground assessment of your property.

BE informed

There are often warning signs before a landslide.  Be mindful of visible and unseen changes, including:

·         Changes occur in your landscape.

·         Outside walls, walks or stairs begin pulling away from the building.

·         Slowly widening cracks in the ground or on paved areas.

·         Underground utility lines break.

·         Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.

·         Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.

·         Fences, retaining walls, utility poles or trees tilt or move.

·         Faint rumbling sounds that are noticed and increase in volume.

·         Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, etc. on roadside embankments.

After the slide has passed, there are several safety guidelines to keep in mind:

·         Without entering the area, check for injured and trapped persons near the slide.

·         Beware of unseen damage.

·         Replant damaged ground as soon as possible.

·         Do not enter the area until you have been told to do so by officials.

BE curious
For additional information on preparing for a landslide, mudslide or debris flow, visit:

·         Just in Case Arizona

·         Ready.gov

·         Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

·         U.S. Geological Survey