Floodwaters may not look all that dangerous on TV, especially if you’re a skilled swimmer. But flash floods, like what recently happened in Sichuan, are actually very dangerous. They can happen with almost no warning.     1    

Prevention is always your best chance of living through a flash flood. Flash floods can happen without clear signs like clouds and heavy rain.     2     As soon as you receive words of a flash flood, head for higher ground at once.

If you see floodwaters, avoid all moving water, even if it seems to be very shallow.     3     You could hit your head, break a bone, or worse, get swept away into much deeper, faster-moving water. Any place where the water is above your foot is dangerous.

If you have no choice but to walk through water, go where the water is shallow and isn’t moving. If necessary use a stick to check the depth as you walk. As you make your way to higher ground, avoid touching or getting near electrical equipment.     4     And if flood waters have reached your home, do not use your home’s power.

If you get swept away by floodwaters, catch or climb onto something as soon as you are able.     5     It’s hard for rescue teams to find people stuck in the water, so anything you can do to make yourself more noticeable is a big help. Don’t give up keep shouting and waving until you’re rescued.

Ben couldn’t wait to go to Uncle Darrell’s farm. There, he could pick apples and pumpkins (南瓜). He ran to the field when arriving with his parents. In the field, he saw Uncle Darrel and thousands of crows (乌鸦).

“What’s going on?” Ben asked.

“Hey, Benny. I’m just driving away these crows. They’re trying to eat my pumpkins and apples,” Uncle Darrell said.

“Where’s the scarecrow?” Ben asked. Uncle Darrell usually had a large scarecrow to keep the birds away.

“It fell apart (解体) during the last rainstorm. I don’t have time to make a new one right now.”

“I’ll make a scary (吓人的) one for you.”

“You will? I thought you wanted to pick pumpkins and have fun,” Uncle Darrell said.

“I do, but this is more important. I need a shirt, some pants and a pumpkin to make the scarecrow,” Ben said.

“There are a lot of those in the house. Help yourself.”

Ben ran into the house and found an old pair of pants and a shirt. Then he ran back outside and picked the pumpkin he’d found earlier.

“Can I use the hay?” Ben asked.

“Sure. Anything else you need?”

“Yeah, a long piece of wood.”

Uncle Darrell helped Ben find the piece of wood and put the pumpkin on the top of it.

“I can take it from here,” Ben said. He stuffed (填充) hay in the clothes and put them on the piece of wood, too. Then Ben drew the scariest face he could think of on the pumpkin.

“Whoa, that is one scary scarecrow,” Uncle Darrell said. “Let’s see if the crows think it’s scary.”

Ben and Uncle Darrell placed the scarecrow in the middle of the field. Then they backed away and waited to see if the crows came back. None did.

“We did it!” Ben cheered.

“Yes, Ben. It’s the scariest scarecrow ever.”

【推荐3】Eduardo reached into his backpack, searching for his cell phone. He was afraid of having to spend the spring break at Aunt Letty’s farm, his parents decided that spending time on the farm would be a great experience for him. They grew up on a farm and believed that responsibility, hard work, and respect for the land were valuable lessons.

“So have you ever ridden a horse? Aunt Letty asked, trying to turn his attention away from his phone.

“Hmm, no.” he answered.

“Well we’ve got a nice calm horse I think you’ll like. Hercules-sounds like a beast, but he’s a gentle giant-big, but kindhearted! And you will enjoy the work here.” she said, smiling.

Eduardo looked quickly at his aunt, feeling unhappy that he was expected to work. He tried to send a text message to a friend but failed.

The next few days were busy. The crow of the roosters woke them up, and they had breakfast before sunrise. Then they went out to the barn to feed the animals. The afternoons were filled with farm work, such as cleanup and caring for the animals. At dark when the farm was finally quiet, Aunt Letty spread her arms out and said. “Just take a deep breath of that sweet country air!” Eduardo, was too tired to enjoy it.

On the third day, without warning, Aunt Letty announced, “It’s time to meet Hercules.” She led Eduardo into the stables. Aunt Letty was right, Hercules was remarkable!

Aunt Letty held her hand open for Eduardo to take. Unwillingly, he let her guide his hand toward Hercules. Softly, Hercules rubbed its nose and mouth against Eduardo.

“It feels smooth and soft!” Eduardo smiled. An hour later, Eduardo was rubbing Hercules on its neck and offering it carrots.

That night, as they headed toward the house, Eduardo was excited. His arms spreading wide, he shouted, “Take a breath of that sweet country air!”