ShareThisA few things you need to know about sinkholes:
Q: My yard is settling. Do I have a sinkhole?
A: It's possible, but sinking and settling can be caused by a number of factors, including shrinking and expanding clay, buried organic material and broken pipes. If the settling is affecting your house, testing by a licensed engineer with a professional geologist on staff or a professional geology firm may be warranted. Contact your insurance company. Property insurers may pay for testing, but may not cover damage from any settling that is not caused by sinkholes.
Q: I think I do have a sinkhole in my yard. What should I do?
A: Clean sand or soil often can be used to fill small sinkholes. If the hole is causing the walls in your house to sink, sag or crack, stay out of the house and call your property insurance adjuster. County emergency management offices also frequently assist when a home is in danger.
Q: How long does it take for the sinkhole to stop growing?
A: When an underground cavity grows to the point where the ground begins to collapse, the hole can take minutes to hours to open. Erosion can continue for several days.
Q: A sinkhole opened in the middle of my street. Whom should I call?
A: Local law-enforcement authorities and the city or county public-works department. Private roads generally must be repaired by the owners.
Q: A sinkhole opened in my neighbor's yard. Should I be concerned?
A: Most sinkholes are isolated. Only if the hole is large is there generally cause for concern.
Source: Florida Geological Survey.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service www.scrippsnews.com)
Must credit St. Petersburg Times
