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Flooding and debris flow are serious threats to your home and property during and after heavy rain events. There are early indicators of potential problems that may occur during El Niño weather-related events:
Tree trimming: In preparation for heavy storms or high winds, pare back or remove tree limbs that may pose a threat of breaking and falling.
Sloped land: Steep surfaces or terrain with a decline face soil loss during heavy rainstorms. Inspect all sloped areas for signs of erosion gullys; surface cracks on driveways and walkways; tilting trees, fences, utility poles or walls; or land movement of any kind. Check buildings, patios, retaining walls, and garden walls for signs of cracking or rotation, which may indicate slope movement has occurred. If signs of slope movement are evident, you may consider contacting a California-licensed geologist or geotechnical engineer for a site inspection.
Bare / mostly dirt surfaces: Inspect large bare areas that may be sources for mudflows during a storm event. Consider covering or vegetating bare areas prior to the storm season. Consider covering and securing mounds of loose soil or fill material.
Walls, driveways and other structures: Inspect all structures, including driveways and walkways, seawalls, revetments, and bulkheads, for signs of damage, loss of material, obstructed drainage, or exposed reinforcing steel, prior to the storm season and after every storm. If significant problems are observed, the property owner may consider contacting a California-licensed engineer for maintenance suggestions.
Roofs: Inspect roofs and flashing to check for loose tiles, holes, or other signs of damage.
Doors and frames: Signs that a landslide or debris flow is possible: doors or windows that stick or jam for the first time, or open spaces around jambs and frames that indicate they are out of plumb.