In West Virginia we face
several different types of possible natural disasters. Depending upon
the situation at the time, we could have a winter storm and/or flooding
issues. Flooding causes more than 90% of disaster-related property
damage in the United States and accounts for more than 75% of presidential
disaster declarations. During the years 1996 through 1998, West
Virginia received more than $112 million in federal assistance due to
natural disasters. An estimated 146 people lose their lives each year
due to flash floods, the number one weather-related killer in the United
States. West Virginia is no exception to this fact. In the last
decade, 36 people have been killed in flash floods. Deaths by
lightening during the same period was less than 5 and there have been no
deaths due to tornadoes. Floods and flash floods are especially common
in West Virginia, and it is important that we prepare for flooding prior to
another occurrence.
The important thing for
residents to keep in mind is to be prepared to take action, if necessary,
until emergency services personnel can reach them. The key is whether
or not individuals are prepared to take action. There are steps
everyone can take to try and ensure not only their own safety, but also
their family's safety. To find out what you can do please visit ...
What Can I Do?
We invite you to participate in
our efforts to protect our friends and neighbors in Monongalia County ...
spread the word, learn safety steps you can take to protect yourself and
family, develop a disaster plan. To learn more about the natural
hazards that affect Monongalia County check out these pages:
Twenty-four hours a day ...
seven days a week the National Weather Service broadcasts weather
information in West Virginia. If you have a weather alert radio ...
keep it on! If there is threatening weather in your area, stay tuned
to your local station where weather watches and warnings will be broadcast.
Weather radio is the voice of the National Weather Service. For more
information on Weather Radios, please visit our Weather
Radio page.
SkyPix Photo
Gallery by Roger Edwards
Do you get confused between a
watch and a warning? What is the difference between a tornado and
straight line winds? For answers to these questions and much more,
visit our Severe Weather Terms page.
