KENT, Wash. -- County officials declared October Flood Awareness Month and many residents along the Green River are taking the warning seriously.

King County and cities such as Kent are filling giant sandbags. About 400,000 of them will be placed on top of the Green River Levee.

But the government is warning residents to prepare in case the preventative measures don't stop rising floodwaters.

For some residents, it's time to plan for the worst in case engineers at the aging Howard Hanson Dam are forced to release water if the river rises, as it usually does, during the rainy fall and winter seasons.

Better Van Gasken, who lives a few feet from the Levee, said the amount of water that usually flows through her back yard when the Green Rivers flood would now come into her home if floodwaters are released from the dam.

"If the water comes over the top of the levee, it will go right into our house," said Van Gasken.

Bette started clearing shelves Thursday night and storing possessions that are most important to her.

"The worst-case scenario is that we will be given six hours to get out," said Van Gasken.

Workers are repairing weakening earthen sides of the dam, but engineers believe there's not enough time to make all the repairs before the flood season.

"We have to be realistic and say 'what is it that I would let go, and what do I want to save?'" said Van Gasken.

Gasken showed KIRO 7 News reporter Gary Horcher some of her treasured items, including a bride's book from her first marriage 60 years ago, journals from trips taken around the world and photo albums.

King County officials said anyone who lives or works in the Green River valley should have a plan for their pets, valuables and where they would evacuate to higher ground.

The potential flood could affect tens of thousands of people.

To help keep residents informed, public meetings will be held at Kent's ShowWare Center on Saturday and next Thursday.