( CNN ) -- The deadly flash floods that swept through remote Arkansas valleys , killing some campers and leaving many others missing , are a grim reminder of the sudden nature of flash floods and the importance of being prepared for emergencies . Emergency preparedness is important at any time , as emergencies are more common than people may think . However , being prepared for emergency situations is even more critical when people are out in the wilderness and further away from phones or cell phone access , hospitals and emergency help . More than 40 percent of Americans plan to go hiking or camping this summer , second in popularity only to swimming as a summer activity , according to a recent Red Cross survey . However , the survey also found that less than two-thirds of Americans feel prepared to respond to a serious outdoor emergency such as broken bones , animal bites or heat stroke . Flash floods are a serious threat to summer campers and hikers , especially in narrow valleys where heavy rains can cause water to rise quickly . Media reports from Arkansas say that after more than a half foot of rain , water in the Caddo and Little Missouri rivers rose quickly overnight -- at times faster than 8 feet per hour -- inundating campgrounds in remote valleys and catching many campers asleep . The American Red Cross has a series of preparedness tips that people should follow : . • Share your travel plans with a family member , neighbor or friend . • Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service . • Be prepared to evacuate at a moment 's notice . • When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area , head for higher ground and stay there . • Stay away from floodwaters . If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles , stop , turn around and go another way -- 6 inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet . • If you come upon a flooded road while driving , turn around and go another way . • If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you , get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground . Most cars can be swept away by less than 2 feet of moving water . • Keep children out of the water , as their curiosity could cause them to get too close to fast-moving flood waters . • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger . Download our Flood Safety checklist , visit redcross.org or contact your local Red Cross for additional information on how to prepare for emergencies and to get trained . Recognizing the importance of preparedness for people who are hiking or camping , the Red Cross this year began offering a new Wilderness and Remote First Aid course designed to teach people how to respond to an emergency in a setting where emergency help is more than one hour away -- from treating severe wounds and broken bones to dealing with animal bites , bee stings , plant poisoning and weather emergencies . The course includes recommendations for the contents of wilderness and remote area first aid kits , and offers training on what to do in emergencies that include allergic reactions , altitude sickness , sprains , fractures , burns , heat-related illness , hypothermia , lightning strikes , heart attacks , drowning , wound treatment and snakebite . With summer starting and more people getting outside , it is important that families include emergency preparedness in the summer planning . Sadly , severe weather and summer are inseparable . Preparedness is especially important for people who will be hiking or camping in remote areas . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Inga Jelescheff .
Floods are grim reminder of danger in nature , says Inga ##g . Red Cross also says people can take steps to help prepare for emergencies in remote areas . Jelescheff : Today , hiking are second most popular summer activity behind camping .