Tropical Storm Allison struck Southeast Texas from June 5-10, 2002. Twenty-two people lost their lives, damage totaled over $5 billion, and nearly 50,000 homes were flooded. Despite accurate forecasts, extensive pre-event awareness outreach, and continuous media coverage, many were still surprised by the intensity of rainfall and flooding. This event clearly demonstrates that decades of flash flood awareness have yet to be fully effective in preventing loss of life and mitigating the financial and emotional impact of flash flooding. Increasing urbanization and population in coastal and southwestern states indicates that a new type of flood -- the urban area flood -- is becoming the major life and property threat for metropolitan areas.

A new flash flood action paradigm and education campaign has been developed to address the growing threat from urban area floods. The key paradigm idea is that most of the financial, emotional, and loss of life risks from floods can be eliminated or significantly mitigated well beforehand. The key to the education campaign is rooted in action. The education campaign provides five simple actions that individuals can take to meet the paradigm of minimal flood risk.