WV and National Disaster News - October 26, 2023

​ReadyWV website contains references and/or hyperlinks to other websites (News Media & Other Sites) that are not operated by or controlled by ReadyWV. These have been included for information purposes only and do not imply affiliation with or endorsement by ReadyWV. ReadyWV gives no guarantees and accepts no liability for the content, use and availability of these 3rd party website.

WEST VIRGINIA

Fire

• Deadly Mink Shoals fire highlights challenges VFDs face  (WCHS-TV)

• DHHR Changes Dashboard To Track Respiratory Illness Season  (WV Public Broadcasting), See the NEW WV DHHR Dashboard which updates each Friday at 10am. 
• Manchin Announces $7.5 Million for West Virginia Bureau for Public Health to Reimburse COVID-19 Costs  (Office of Sen. Joe Manchin), related news: Office of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito)

School Safety

• School safety conference underway in Charleston  (Metro News-Radio) 

• State Gets EPA Funding to Address 'Forever Chemicals' In Drinking Water  (West Virginia Public Broadcasting-Radio)

• November Weather Outlook: Mother Nature Expected to Tease S. WV  (WOAY-TV)

NATIONAL NEWS
 
Flood Risk

• Flood Risk Disclosure Laws: Which States Have Them And How They Protect Home Buyers (Forbes)

Disaster Funding

• New Mexico Fire Victims Accuse FEMA Of Withholding Records (Law 360)

• White House wants $56 billion from Congress for disaster relief, childcare and high-speed Internet (AP News), related news: CNN 

Disaster Funding Highlights:

·         $9 billion for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund for disaster recovery from wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, etc. throughout the nation.   

·         $2.8 billion to address housing and infrastructure needs caused by major disasters

·         $2.8 billion for farmers and ranchers for crop losses from natural disasters.

·         prevents cuts to federal wildland firefighter salaries.

·         $1 billion to repair schools, federal highways and roads affected by disasters

Weather

• Central U.S. weekend storm to unleash snow, ice and Otis-fueled rainfall (AccuWeather), related news: The Weather Channel 

Wildfire Prevention

• New York State Takes Huge Step To Fight Increasing Wildfires (WPDH)