We’ve had a Christmas of crazy weather. From flash and river flooding to tornadoes and record high temperatures, the weather hasn’t felt like a winter wonderland.

But it is a great reminder that flooding can occur any time of year in Alabama. Now is a great time to review advice on what to do during floods and how to protect life and property.

The National Weather Service offers the following tips of what to do in the event of a flood.

Sometimes floods develop slowly and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days before it occurs. But flash floods can occur within minutes and sometimes without any sign of rain.

The first step is to create a communications plan. Whether it is having a specific person identified to contact for updates or a safe location to meet up, having a plan in place will give you peace of mind if a disaster does strike.

It’s also a good practice to have enough food, water and medicine on hand at all times to last you at least three days. Water service may be interrupted or unsafe to drink and food requiring little cooking and no refrigeration may be needed if electric power is interrupted.

You should also have batteries, blankets, first aid kits and a NOAA Weather Radio or other battery operated radio easily available. Also make sure to charge cell phones and other essential electronics in case you lose power or need to evacuate.

During a flood, water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change. Remain aware and monitor local radio and television outlets. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Be sure to lock your home as you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.

Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged.

If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises — get out. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!

Do not walk through flood waters. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 for help.

Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards (i.e. sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc).

A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Twelve inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.

People underestimate the force and power of water. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.