| GENERAL RULES |
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| 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. |
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| TRY | to direct debris flows away from improvements. |
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| AVOID | trying to control or confine the flows more than is absolutely required. |
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| CLEAR | a path for the debris. |
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| USE | your house or building as a deflector if necessary. |
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| ALWAYS | place protection to deflect debris, not to dam or stop it. |
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| DEBRIS | will often enter a building through windows - board them up. |
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| REMEMBER | to protect your most valuable property first - your home. |
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| THEN | consider what time and money are available to protect other less valuable objects such as swimming pools or landscaping. |
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| TRY | to install more permanent measures (see 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. |
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| ALWAYS | work with adjacent affected property owners. |
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| BE | prepared to sacrifice the use of portions of your property to achieve the greatest amount of protection. |
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| AVOID | altering drainage patterns that could worsen conditions for your neighbor. |
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Fig. 18 TELEPHONE POLE OR RAILROAD TIE BARRIER
Fig. 19 REMOVABLE DRIVEWAY BARRIER |
