West Virginia · Preparedness Guide
Flash floods in mountain hollows, winter ice that isolates communities for weeks, chemical spill risk along the Kanawha Valley, and some of the most rugged terrain in the East.
About this guide
West Virginia is almost entirely mountainous — and that geography shapes every hazard the state faces. Narrow river valleys and steep hollow communities flood with terrifying speed; the 2016 Greenbrier Valley floods killed 23 people and the 2001 Mingo County floods remain one of the state's worst disasters. Ice storms hit harder here than almost anywhere in the East — remote communities in McDowell, Wyoming, and Logan counties can be cut off for weeks. The Kanawha Valley industrial corridor carries one of the highest chemical spill risk profiles in the country — the 2014 MCHM spill contaminated the drinking water of 300,000 people for days. Preparation in WV is not optional; it is the difference between isolation and survival.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Flash Flooding, Winter Ice Storms, Chemical Spills
WV has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 5b (highest elevations) to 6b (river valleys / Eastern Panhandle)
Unemployment: up to $424 (up to $662 for highest wage class)/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the WV risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours