Spring may seem far off, but it is just around the corner. Prepare for possible spring flooding now before it sneaks up on you.

Follow these tips from Ready.gov to make sure you, your family and your home are prepared:

• Know your flood risk .
• Familiarize yourself with local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground, the highest level of a building, or to evacuate.
• Make a flood  emergency plan  for the relevant type/s of local flood risk with plans such as evacuation, shelter, and locations for high ground.
• Build or restock your  emergency preparedness kit , including a minimum of 3 days of food and water, flashlight, batteries, cash, prescription medications and first aid supplies.
• Consider buying  flood insurance . Homeowners and renters insurance do not typically cover flood damage.
• Stay tuned to your phone  alerts , TV, or radio for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders.

For more flood safety information, download the How to Prepare for a Flood guide.

Youth can make a difference in their communities. One way is to join FEMA's  Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) .  The YPC is open to students in 8th-11th grade across the Nation. If you know a good candidate, please encourage him or her to apply.

As a member of the YPC, youth can:

• Design and conduct local and national projects;
• Add a youth viewpoint on emergency preparedness;
• Help prepare their local area for emergencies;
• Meet with FEMA regularly; and
• Give input to FEMA leadership and staff.

FEMA encourages adults working with youth to share the application . Candidates should submit a complete form , provide two letters of recommendation, and their academic records.

Applications are due March 18, 2018 . For more information,  visit the YPC website .

Breathe easy in your home. Learn about the hazards of carbon monoxide (CO). This colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas can be an “invisible killer.”

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reports that more than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental CO poisoning. Stay safe with these tips:

• Install and maintain a CO alarm centrally on every level of your home, and outside each sleeping area.
• Use portable generators outdoors, away from the house.
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

Learn more from the USFA .