SAN CLEMENTE : City Issues Warning, Landslide Guidelines

City officials are warning residents to take landslide precautions such as stabilizing hilltops and slopes before the rainy season begins.

More than 100 homes suffered serious damage last year when rain-soaked slopes began to slip last year.

City Hall has issued a set of guidelines for homeowners to determine whether excavation permits are needed to repair slopes on private property that is still damaged. The information can be picked up from the city engineering division at 910 Calle Negocio.

City engineers say those who haven’t started repair work or property owners who want to prevent damage should:

* Hire a construction contractor, civil engineering firm, landscape or geotechnics company where significant damage has occurred.

* Protect barren slopes through a combination of measures to encourage rain runoff. City engineers suggest adding landscaping, hydroseeding or cover the ground with a jute matting material. Other steps include using sandbags, installing drain pipes or concrete ditches.

* Fill ground cracks to prevent water penetration and cover exposed slopes with plastic sheeting.

* Flush and clean all terrace drains, catch basins and other drainage systems.

* Buy emergency supplies such as sand bags before winter rains.