What is the difference between a mudflow and a debris flow.

A depression is a mass of loose mud, sand, soil, rock, water and air that travels down a slope under the influence of gravity.More than half of the mass must be larger than sand grains to be considered a debris flow.

A mass of water and sand can flow very quickly.Similar to debris flows, mudflows are sandy and watery.

The debris and mud flows are caused by a combination of fast moving water and a large volume of debris that surge down the slope with tremendous force.The consistency is similar to pancake batter.They are similar to flash floods and can occur suddenly.

When the hillsides are denuded following fires, large debris flows usually occur.The root systems that hold the soil in place during storms are damaged by wildfires.

Prepare for emergencies by having a plan, what will you do?You should have a disaster preparation kit.

If you know your area is prone to potential mud or debris flows, you should place sand bags on your property before a storm.There are places to get sandbags.

You can watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home.Land movement can be seen on the hillsides around your home.Watching small changes could alert you to a bigger threat.

Stay alert.There are a lot of debris-flow deaths when people are sleeping.You can listen to a weather radio for warnings of intense rain.After long periods of heavy rain and damp weather, short bursts of rain may be dangerous.

If it's safe for you to leave, consider it.Driving during a storm can be dangerous.If possible, move to a second story.Staying out of the path of a debris flow saves lives.

Listen for unusual noises, such as trees cracking or boulders hitting each other.A trickle of mud or debris may precede a bigger slide.Sometimes debris can flow without warning.

If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water.Be prepared to move quickly if there are changes that indicate activity upstream.Don't delay!Don't have your belongings, save yourself.

When driving, be especially alert.Embankments along roadsides are prone to slides.There are signs of possible debris flows on the road.