Mudslide Proofing...

Once again, 'tis the season...

Some Los Angeles environs are prone to mudslides during our heavy rains. We'll be in a drought situation for two or three years and then BOOM! The rains come down. Much like Washington, DC's plans for snow -- apparently non-existent -- so seem to be our plans for defending our homes against mudslides.

People who live very near the massive burn areas of not so long ago should be sandbagging for all of their worth. Whole crews of neighbors should be at it like a bucket brigade. Somehow I doubt that's happening ... we are, generally speaking, massively indifferent to our neighbors (but will cheerfully pony up for far away lands' help.)

Every individual and family should have a planned escape route -- from their dwelling and from their neighborhood. You should have on hand just as much food and water as you would for an earthquake at hand. Your car should be parked facing the street.

If I had a picture window near the ground, facing the potential mudslide, I'd put a sheet 4 by 8 across it leaning against the house. If the mud does come, it will press the board in tight. Pros say to board them up with a hammer and nails -- especiallyFrench doors or sliding glass doors plus the front or back door facing the slide.

For professional advice, I went to cert-la.com and read their Emergency Survival Program (ESP) sheet and found these items I'd overlooked.

Remember to alert your out-of-state contact with a quick call
Make sure you have working flashlights; have extra batteries on hand
Charge your cell phone and if you have to leave, don't forget the charger
Put together a pack of cash (small bills) and your important papers. Ours are zeroxed and the originals are in the bank safety deposit box.
Games and toys for the kids.

Before you drink the water at home, listen to your battery-powered radio -- mudslides can break sewers and make your tap water filthy.

OF PARTICULAR NOTE: Mudslides can easily exceed speeds of 10 mph and often flow faster than 20 mph.

Monitor the rainfall in your area -- 3 to 4 in. per day or 1/2 in. per hour are enough to trigger a slide.

If you are asked to evacuate, yank on your skates and GO! Rescue squads don't want to risk their lives (and rightfully so) to extricate your recalcitrant butt.