Moderate Risk West Virginia  ·  Flash Flooding / Chemical Hazmat

Wood County WV

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

6/ 10
Threat Score
Population
86
Area
367
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Flash Flooding / Chemical Hazmat
FEMA Disasters
7
federally declared

Wood County anchored by Parkersburg on the Ohio River is the site of the DuPont PFAS chemical contamination scandal — one of the most significant environmental legal cases in US history where residents were exposed to toxic perfluorooctanoic acid from the Washington Works plant for decades leading to a landmark settlement. The Ohio River creates flooding risk. The chemical industry along the river creates ongoing industrial hazmat emergency planning considerations.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 6 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Flash Flooding / Chemical Hazmat
Secondary Hazard Winter Storm
FEMA Flood Zone High
Federally Declared Disasters 7
Last Major Event 2016 Flooding
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (304) 424-1900
Emergency Shelters 6 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-77 US-50 WV-2 WV-14

// County Profile

County Wood County WV
State West Virginia (WV)
Population 86
Area 367 sq miles
FEMA Region High

// Major Cities

Vienna WV Parkersburg WV

// Cities in This County

// Other West Virginia Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

DuPont Washington Works WV Plant
Superfund Site  ·  Parkersburg, WV  ·  Chemours / DuPont  ·  5-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.