When we were visiting Venice for Carnival, we learned that the city is actually 118 islands, joined by bridges and canals. At times, high tides from the Adriatic Sea flood the city and threaten its beautiful buildings.

Floods occur when so much rain falls that rivers, creeks, and streams can’t hold all the water.

When it’s been raining hard for hours or days, check for a flood watch or warning. A flood watch means that a flood is possible. A flood warning means that a flood is on its way or is happening right now.

1. Think about a safe place to go if you have to leave home. It could be a motel or a shelter or a friend’s house on safe, high ground.

2. Try to put as much as you can on the second floor, if you have one. Pack bags with things you’ll need, like clothes and medicines.

3. If the warning says to leave home right away, do it! Flash floods do come in a flash!

4. Head away from rivers and streams and up to high ground.

5. Don’t get out of the car and walk through floodwaters or go around roadblocks. Six inches of rushing water has enough force to knock you down!