Are you worried about sinkholes? Warning signs to watch for on your own property...

The thought of a sinkhole can be terrifying...

...but there are usually some hints we can look for to protect ourselves and our property. Certified Foundations has some sinkhole statistics and signs to watch for:

* Sinkholes rarely kill and in many cases can be detected and addressed.

* Slumping or sagging fence posts and trees that start to lean are red flags. More subtle signs can include doors and windows that don't close properly.

* Heavy rains can trigger the collapse of a sinkhole that had been slowly forming earlier. When rainfall collects in an area where water previously did not collect, that is another sign that the land is subsiding.

* Be on the lookout for new cracks in walls and floors. Stair-shaped cracks on exterior walls can be another sinkhole warning, as well as cracking or buckling of concrete.

If a sinkhole is caught early, grout can be injected into the hole to rebuild a foundation over the degrading bedrock. If you do suspect a sinkhole on your property, notify your insurance company. They will send a geotechnical expert to inspect the concerns and determine the course of action.