| GENERAL RULES |
| The previous section described various problems you may encounter during the rainy season. Below are some general rules to be followed in most cases involving flood waters, debris, and erosion. |
| NEVER |
underestimate the power of debris flows. |
| TRY |
to direct debris flows away from improvements. |
| AVOID |
trying to control or confine the flows more than is absolutely required. |
| CLEAR |
a path for the debris. |
| USE |
your house or building as a deflector, if necessary. |
| ALWAYS |
place protection to deflect debris, not to dam or stop it. |
| DEBRIS |
will often enter a building through windows - board them up. |
| REMEMBER |
to protect your most valuable property first - your home. |
| THEN |
consider what time and money are available to protect other less valuable objects such as swimming pools or landscaping. |
| TRY |
to install more permanent measures (Figs. 18 and 19) to protect your home. In general, the problem of debris flows will exist for several years after a burn. Sandbags usually last for only a year. |
| ALWAYS |
work with adjacent affected property owners. |
| BE |
prepared to sacrifice the use of portions of your property to achieve the greatest amount of protection. |
| AVOID |
altering drainage patterns that could worsen conditions for your neighbor. |
|
