House 37

SENATE RESOLUTION 37

(By Senators Charnock and Weld)

[Introduced February 12, 2026]

Designating February 13, 2026, as West Virginia Silver Jackets Flood Resiliency Day at the Capitol.

Whereas, West Virginia Silver Jackets Flood Resiliency Week, observed February 9–13, 2026, is recognized for the dedicated interagency team members and volunteers who support this initiative by aiding those displaced by flooding and by educating citizens on the dangers and risks associated with flood events; and

Whereas, Flooding has a profound and devastating impact on West Virginia’s communities, infrastructure, economy, and citizens, disrupting lives and causing long-term hardship; and

Whereas, Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every citizen and community, and all West Virginians are urged to work together to ensure that individuals, families, and communities are prepared for flood disasters and other emergencies; and

Whereas, Encouraging awareness, preparedness, and resiliency is critical to mitigating the risks associated with flooding and reducing loss of life and property; and

Whereas, It is imperative to empower our citizens with the knowledge and resources necessary to withstand, rebuild, overcome, and recover from flooding events; and

Whereas, It has been documented that over the past 10 years, West Virginia has experienced more than 1,680 flooding events, resulting in an estimated $54 million in property damage and the tragic loss of 34 lives due to flash flooding and riverine flooding, with flash flooding recognized as West Virginia’s greatest natural hazard; and

Whereas, West Virginia Silver Jackets Flood Resiliency Day at the Capitol, and West Virginia Silver Jackets Flood Resiliency Week is a way to encourage every resident of West Virginia to prepare their homes, families, businesses, and communities in the event of a flood; and  

Whereas, Investing in a flood resiliency program for ourselves, our families, businesses, and communities can reduce fatalities and economic devastation; and

Whereas, The Army Corps of Engineers, the West Virginia State Resiliency Office, the National Weather Service, the West Virginia Emergency Management Division, West Virginia Ready, West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, along with other federal, state, local, private, and volunteer agencies, work to increase public awareness preparing for flooding and to educate individuals on preparedness and the correct actions; and

Whereas, All West Virginians are encouraged to participate in building a flood resiliency program to become more prepared; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 13, 2026, as West Virginia Silver Jackets Flood Resiliency Day at the Capitol; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby recognizes February 9-13, 2026, as West Virginia Silver Jackets Flood Resiliency Week; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representative of the West Virginia State Resiliency Office.