If the sinkhole is located on private property, mark and secure the area and
determine if any structures are in danger.
determine if any structures are in danger.
 | If no structures are in danger: |
- Ensure that sinkhole is marked and secured. Make sure the sinkhole is fenced, roped, or taped very clearly. Usually, the property owner will be liable if someone is hurt in the sinkhole.
- Keep children away!
- If lake or river levels are affected or you think groundwater quality is endangered by a sinkhole, please report it to the Southwest Florida Water Management District at 352-796-7211 X4347.
- If your home is threatened, contact your homeowners insurance company.
- Check carefully for signs of the sinkhole enlarging.
- Do not throw any waste into the sinkhole. Pesticides and other wastes seep easily through the sinkhole into the aquifer - your drinking water.
- Do not construct buildings between sinkholes that form a line in a northwest-southeast or northeast-southwest direction.
- If the hole is small, fill the hole with clean sand or dirt and monitor it for future growth.
- If the hole is large contact your insurance agent and have them send a claims adjuster out to assess the damage and make arrangements for repairs.
- If desired, you may contact a certified geo-technical engineering firm to evaluate the foundation failure to officially determine if it is a sinkhole.
- If the problem is such that your property is in jeopardy, CONTACT RAB FOUNDATION REPAIR IMMEDIATELY at (813) 926-2300.
 | Indications of possible structural damage include: |
- Cracks in walls
- Cracks in floors
- Cracks in pavement
- Cracks in ground surface
 | If structures are in possible danger: |
- A representative from the Office of Emergency Management will respond to the scene and conduct a survey to determine if the structure is in danger or other hazards exist, and advise you on contacting the appropriate agencies (i.e., insurance, utilities, phone, fire department).
- If your home is in danger, you will be advised to evacuate the residence until assessment and repairs are made.
- If you need assistance in evacuating or need sheltering, contact the American Red Cross.
- You must then contact your homeowner’s insurance agent to send a claims representative out to assess the damage and make arrangements for repairs.
| If a sinkhole forms on a street: |
- Mark and secure the sinkhole
- Notify the agency responsible for maintenance:
- County Public Works
- Municipal Public Works Department
- Civic Associations
- Private road maintained by property owners
