[header] How to survive a mudslide [title] Monitor the news and evacuate when recommended. [step] If your area has been recently hit by a fire and heavy rain is predicted, start watching the news a day or 2 before the storm is predicted. Listen for evacuation orders, which should be broadcast as soon as they're put in place. 
You should plan to leave even when evacuation is voluntary. Voluntary evacuation can quickly become mandatory, and leaving earlier will give you more time to prepare and safer roads to drive on.