Having a sinkhole around your property is dangerous. Sometimes, they are easier to fix, while other instances prove to be more challenging. There are certain practices you should follow if you suspect there is a sinkhole nearby. If you think that a sinkhole is forming where you live, you should do the following.
Stay Away From The Sinkhole
The first step you should take is to keep your distance. A sinkhole can be dangerous, so evacuating the premises is the best course of action to ensure people’s safety. You’ll want to escort small children and pets if you have any.
Leave Your House
Find out if the hole poses any impact on your home. If so, leave your home and stay away from it. If you’re unsure of whether or not a sinkhole is impacting your house, here are some notable signals:
- It’s hard to close doors and windows
- There are cracks on the floor and/or ground
- Your walls are sagging, sinking, or cracking
Create a Border Around the Area
Using a fence or rope, you want to barricade the area so that others don’t go near the sinkhole. This will keep others from risking injury by showing them where it’s unsafe to venture.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Talk to your insurance company the moment you know about your situation. This will give you the ability to find out if your insurance policy covers the assessment and/or repairs. Knowing what your insurance covers is crucial because it allows you to budget appropriately for whatever the best course of action will be. You want to get your insurance adjuster in the know as quickly as you can, making sure they can handle your situation. At the same time, contact your local government office and see if any agencies can help you vacate your home, assess the damage, and report your sinkhole.
Consult With A Soil Testing Firm or Engineering Company Regarding the Sinkhole
A licensed engineer or professional geologist will be needed to determine if what you have is truly a sinkhole. Firms will vary on price, which is why knowing what your insurance policy covers is important to know ahead of time. If insurance doesn’t cover it, get price quotes from the firms that you contact.
Monitor Your Sinkhole and Watch For Further Structural Damage
Sinkholes can grow before long, so keep constant surveillance on it to make sure you’re staying a safe distance away. Also, monitor your home to see if it’s taking on damage over time. Even if you don’t see structural damage right away, that doesn’t mean your home can’t get impacted later. That’s why you have to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave your house once you start seeing signs of damage.
Concrete Visions Will Get The Job Done Right
Concrete Visions has been working with clients for over 25 years. Our G&M Services installers are certified with the industry’s major firestop product manufacturers. As part of our firestop service, we can assess abnormal field conditions and, with the manufacturer’s technical support assistance, provide engineering judgments in a timely fashion to comply with contract specifications. Our Field Mechanics undergo ongoing training, including mandatory monthly safety meetings, weekly Toolbox Talks where safety and equipment information is shred, and trainings on safe work standards and safety best practices.