From back to front, Wood County Commissioners Robert Tebay, Jimmy Colombo and Blair Couch passed proclamations Thursday proclaiming the month of September 2025 as Disaster Preparedness Month and proclaiming the week of Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in Wood County. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Commission passed two resolutions Thursday to recognize the need for disaster preparedness and honoring the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

The commission unanimously passed resolutions proclaiming the month of September 2025 as Disaster Preparedness Month and proclaiming the week of Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in Wood County as Wood County 911 Director Dale McEwuen and Deputy 911 Director and Emergency Services Manager Mike Shook were present.

“We are hoping to help get people prepared (to deal with natural disasters),” Shook said.

National Preparedness Month has been officially recognized each September since 2004 by the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Ready Campaign, encouraging communities nationwide to take practical preparedness actions, according to the proclamation. County governments play a critical role in disaster resilience-by engaging citizens, promoting emergency planning, hosting training events, and partnering with local, state, and federal agencies.

“…disasters – whether natural (such as floods, severe storms, wildfires, or hurricanes) or man-made (such as industrial accidents or infrastructure failures) – can strike without warning, posing serious threats to life, property, and the well-being of our community…,” the proclamation said. “…the County Commission is committed to educating and empowering Wood County residents – families, businesses, schools, and nonprofits – to prepare for disasters.”

County officials urged citizens to create a family emergency plan and conduct practice drills; assemble an emergency supply kit sufficient for at least 72 hours; stay informed via county emergency alerts and public information channels; protect vital documents and digital records; maintain financial reserves for uninsured disaster costs; and more.

“…we, the Wood County Commission, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2025 as Disaster Preparedness Month in Wood County, and we encourage all residents and organizations to take purposeful action to bolster their emergency readiness,” the proclamation said.

In the proclamation, the county would promote public education and outreach throughout September; provide resources and guidance to support local preparedness efforts; collaborate with first responders, schools, health care, and business partners to enhance community resilience; and invite all Wood County stakeholders to participate in preparedness activities — such as training events, drills, and community forums — throughout the month.

Shook said there are a number of brochures at the courthouse available to give tips on how people can better prepare for disasters. They are located outside the County Administrator’s office.

McEwuen said they have spoken before a few community organizations, by request.

“If they would like us to speak, we would come and speak and hand out some brochures,” he said.

Commission President Blair Couch said they could try to arrange something among the various civic groups in the area.

“They will be able to learn something,” he said.

In the proclamation recognizing the 236th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution and Constitution Week, it said on September 17, 1787, 39 men “signed their names to a document that established the world’s first government of the people, by the people and for the people…”

“…this anniversary provides a historic opportunity for all Americans to remember the achievements of our founders, to reflect on the rights and privileges of citizenship and calls each of us to more active and responsible citizenship…” the proclamation said. “…every citizen, whether by birth or naturalization, is called to participate in this observance by recognizing and committing to uphold the freedom, liberties, independence and responsibilities of citizenship guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America…”

The commission calls upon all state and local officials as well as leaders of civic, social, faith based, educational, youth, for profit and not-for-profit groups and organizations to conduct ceremonies and programs that celebrate the Constitution of the United States of America throughout Constitution Week.

In other business, the commission unanimously approved reappointing Sean Andrews to the Wood County Recreation Commission. The commission also announced two vacancies on the recreation commission.