Flooding is the Number 1 Cause of Natural Disasters in the US

            The Upshur County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) monitors 3 river flood stage gauges and 11 rain gauges. In addition several independent monitors volunteer to watch additional rain gauges. Some of this equipment uses telemetry while others must be manually read and recorded.

            It has been several years now since the last serious flood in this county; however, the public should understand that mountainous regions such as this have microclimates and that can suddenly increase stream flow significantly. It is also impossible for the OEM to be aware of any changes in runoff or stream capacity due to new construction or natural caused waterway obstruction.

            It is strongly recommended that residents investigate obtaining flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Typical insurance policies do not include flood damage. More information is available at www.floodsmart.gov. There are also restrictions for building in a flood plain.

            To help respond to future emergencies the OEM is engaged in a project to remap and restudy the areas prone to flooding and integrate that information with the new 911 addressing system to assist first responders. In order to obtain as much information as possible the OEM requests that the public contact us at 304-472-4983, if your property has or has almost flooded during the past 5 years. In addition if you or someone you know has access to their residence regularly blocked by high water obstructions and someone at that address has “special needs,” we would like to be able to include that information in a database.