A flash flood doesn't call ahead and let you know it's coming. You need to protect yourself by tracking the weather and being alert to danger. 

Keeping track of the weather forecast can help keep you safe. Check the weather forecast before you go camping, playing, or on a trip. 

Flash floods occur when heavy rain falls in an area. When forecasters predict storms, stay away from streams, ditches, and gullies. A storm upstream from you could send water rushing down your way. 

If the sky looks stormy, turn on the television or radio. You should listen for weather alerts like the ones announced on our TV station. 

Forecasters issue a watch when they think you should watch out for storm problems. They issue an advisory when smaller problems begin to occur, like minor street flooding. They issue a warning when the storms are actually causing larger, dangerous problems like flash flooding. 

To say it another way, a watch means that things might turn bad, an advisory means that some problems have started, a warning means that they have turned dangerous. 

This image shows where severe weather is hitting right now. Do you see any flash flood warnings or watches? 

As you listen for the weather alerts, keep track of what the weather team is talking about. 

• If forecasters talk about flash flooding, then the problem will be mostly around streams, gullies, and ditches.
• If they mention urban flooding, then you know that some streets are filling up with water.
• If they mention river flooding, then you know that a river is filling up and going out of its banks.

You can also work with your parents to create a Family Disaster Plan. This link will take you to recommendations for a good Family Disaster Plan.  A plan like this is a good idea, for more than just flooding.