A flash flood watch is in place this weekend for North Florida, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
A watch means that there is a potential for flash flooding.
Residents should take the necessary steps to prepare their family and property for possible emergency situations.
Rainfall totals are expected to be 5 to 7 inches with heavier amounts in isolated areas.
If a flood is in your area, you should:
-Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio or your local news sources for vital weather-related information.
-Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
-Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnins such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
-Secure your home. If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move essentials to an upper floor.
-Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
-Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall.
-Never drive into flooded areas.
-Do no camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks.
-Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
For more information about emergency response in Florida, the 2013 Hurricane Season, and how you can to Get A Plan! visit FloridaDisaster.org. Follow FDEM on Twitter at @FLSERT, on Facebook at Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.
