Mudslides: How You Can Protect Your Home

In the wake of the Los Angeles Fires, a new concern brought by the rain arises for Angelenos: Mudslides.

Why are Mudslides More Likely After a Wildfire

Wildfires scorch the land and destroy vegetation, which leaves the soil exposed. Moreover, after a wildfire, the soil is typically unable to absorb water effectively. While rain after a wildfire may seem like a gift, it poses its own risks. Without the vegetation lost in the fire to keep the soil in place, the risk of mudslides grows exponentially.

What Risks do Mudslides Pose

There are several risks you should be aware of when it comes to mudslides. Below, you can learn about some of the most common:

• Toxic Runoff: Heavy rain after a wildfire may cause toxic runoff, which occurs when the water collects contaminated ash. This toxic ash, from the combustion of cars, batteries, asbestos, or other potentially harmful substances, poses a significant health risk.
• Loss of Life: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “landslides and debris flows result in 25 to 50 deaths each year” in the United States. The risk of death stems from trauma that may be caused by the water or debris. Disrupted transport or access to healthcare, as well as damaged power, gas, or water lines, contribute to this risk.
• Severe Property Damage: Debris carried by a mudslide may severely damage structures in its path.

Will Insurance Cover Damages or Injuries From Mudslides?

Unfortunately, in California, most standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover mudslides because they are considered “movements of the earth,” which are explicitly excluded from most policies. However, there are options available, like a Difference In Condition (DIC) insurance. This type of insurance differs from traditional insurance in that it offers additional coverage for large-scale disasters like hurricanes or landslides.

What Other Options Are Available?

While natural disasters are normally excluded from standard insurance coverage, there are government and local organizations that may be of help. Below you can find more information about relief programs:

• DisasterAssistance.gov: Here you can find resources and help applying to FEMA disaster assistance.
• US Small Business Administration: Find out if your small business is eligible for disaster assistance.
• CalWorks: You may be eligible for cash aid or other services to help you find financial stability.
• CalFresh: This service helps provide California families with fresh food. Visit their site to find out if you’re eligible.

How to Protect Your Home from Mudslides

Below, you can learn more about short and long-term strategies to protect your home against mudslides:

• Board Up Windows and Doors: This can help minimize the amount of water that makes it inside your home.
• Place Sandbags: Similarly, sandbags can help seal spaces under doors or around vents and help keep water out of your home.
• Be Ready to Evacuate: When under a mudslide warning, get ready to evacuate by packing a bag with essentials, placing valuable items away from windows and doors and elevated when possible, and planning at least two evacuation routes in case the roads are closed.
• Build Retaining Walls: This can be particularly helpful for properties on or surrounded by steep slopes, as it can help stabilize the terrain.
• Build Deflection Walls: Deflection walls can help redirect the flow of water and mudslides away from or around your home.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

When mudslides are a product of negligence, like in the case of mudslides that could happen in areas affected by the Los Angeles Eaton Fire, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, damages, and losses. At Adamson Ahdoot, we have extensive experience successfully representing clients in cases of wildfire, mudslides, and other personal injury claims, and offer free, bilingual consultations. Contact us today at (800) 310-1606 to talk to an expert about your case.