Emergency officials are stressing the dangers of sinkholes especially in the areas of abandoned mines.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says it is not feasible to fill every mine void or reclaim all unstable land caused by mines.
But they say they have rehabilitated about 150 thousand acres of abandoned mines to this point.
You should check the risk of your home being damaged by mine subsidence. And if the risk is high to insure your home through the State because they say most home owners insurance does not protect for damage from abandoned mines.
Authorities say to watch out for signs of sink holes or mine subsidence such as the ground sinking or moving or long cracks in your home its foundation or the ground.
Local authorities also point out landslides which can also cause damage or threaten safety.
Officials also give signs to look out for dealing with those
“Well the biggest thing is to be aware. If you travel a certain area all the time look changes. If you see a tree that looks like it’s starting to move it’s better to call ahead of time and say ‘hey it looks like this hill is coming down’ and we can set up some warnings and things like that, contact the county, and get other agencies involved.”
The DEP advises the public to report sinkholes or mines subsidence if they notice them.