Flood safety begins with preparedness. Be familiar with basic terms.

- An advisory means forecasters anticipate a weather event that may cause flooding. Stay tuned for more information.

- Watches are issued when conditions are right for flooding to occur. Be alert to changing conditions and ready to act if there is a flood watch or flash flood watch.

- Warnings indicate an event is imminent or already happening. A flood or flash flood warning means it is time to act. Avoid driving through floodwater and move your family and personal belongings to higher ground when a flood is in progress. Turn off electricity and gas if your home is in danger.