Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S., and they are the final focus of Iowa’s Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Floods in Iowa may result from rain, snow, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems. While some floods may develop slowly, flash floods can come with no warning, and Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen says flash flood warnings are changing to an impact-based format to improve public response, “If a certain area gets a significant amount of rainfall in a very short amount of time they will get an impact-based warning specific to that area and it’ll usually go out, it’ll pin your cell phones, just anyone within that tower range. Those are the ones that you really want to be aware of because that means that you are in the area that’s being impacted.”

To prepare for any possible flooding Reisen advises to know whether your home, business, or school is in a floodplain, assemble an emergency kit, and make a communication plan for your family and friends. If you are in a flood situation, Reisen urges to get to higher ground, and if you are told to evacuate to do so immediately. She also advises to not walk or drive through flood waters, as it only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet and 12 inches to float a vehicle. Water may also be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards like sharp objects and washed out road surfaces.