How to Protect Your Home and Family From a Mudslide

Short of erecting an enormous wall around your home, it's nearly impossible to stop a mudslide from damaging your home if your home is in the mudslide's path. But you can take precautions to ensure that your home has some coverage if a mudslide hits, and there are a number of ways you can keep your family safe.

Insurance

If you live in a muslide-prone area of the country, you're right to feel inclined to purchase mudslide insurance. Unfortunately, the standard homeowners insurance does not cover mudslides. Some flood insurances will cover mudflows, which are different than mudslides. A mudflow is a byproduct of a flood—specifically flowing mud on the surface of normally dry land. A landslide or mudslide is different—usually caused by rains and collapsing hillsides.

Specific mudslide, landslide or "earth movement" policies do exist, but they can be hard to come by, especially if you live on a hillside or in an area prone to mudslides.

Landslide Protection

Landslides and Mudslides are extremely dangerous and powerful events, but even in the face of this powerful natural disaster there are still steps you can take as a homeowner to protect your home.

For starters, you can consult with a professional or contractor to install flexible pipe fittings, which can better resist breakage. This can help prevent gas and water leaks. Planting ground cover and installing retaining or deflection walls can also help prevent, divert or mitigate mudslide and landslide damage. Be mindful of the fact that diverting the flow of mud around your home and onto adjacent properties can make you liable for damages.

To learn the indicators your area has a potential for mudslides, continue reading on Renovate Your World.

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