King County residents and business owners have a new tool to help them stay safer during the flood season.

An automated flood alert system is now available and provides real-time messages by phone, text or e-mail, warning of potential high water on more than a half-dozen rivers.

Residents can subscribe to the free flood alert service, which is available at www.kingcounty.gov/flood, or by calling (206) 263-3400 to register by phone. The service is funded through the King County Flood Control District, which is a special purpose government that provides funding and policy oversight for flood protection projects and programs in King County. The District’s board is comprised of the members of the King County Council.

The real-time information service is the latest in a series of resources King County has been providing to residents to improve public safety and help citizens prepare for potential flooding.