Cole Urges Safety and Aid During Rainy July 4th

Press Release

On the heels of some of the worst flooding to hit our state, West Virginia is experiencing more rain and the potential for more flooding during this July 4th holiday. Senate President Bill Cole is urging everyone to stay safe as they join together to celebrate the birth of our nation and our freedoms.

"I continue to pray for the families of those who lost loved ones in last month's flooding. With more storms and rain hitting regions of our state, I encourage everyone to stay safe and be vigilant for flooding that can occur quickly. I also ask all West Virginians to continue to help their neighbors by making sure they are safe," said Cole. "As I have traveled the state, it has been heartwarming to me to see people who lost everything have gratitude to have survived and resolve to rebuild. It has also been amazing to witness the outpouring of support from fellow West Virginians."

"July 4th is a uniquely American holiday where we take time to commemorate the birth of our nation, celebrate the freedoms we as Americans enjoy, and honor the ultimate sacrifice so many men and women have given to our country," stated Cole. "After talking to the National Guard this morning, I will spend my day traveling to the already flood-impacted areas in Kanawha and Clay counties to bring more supplies and support."

"I stand side by side with my fellow West Virginians and will continue to do all I can on our road to recovery. We are a caring people -- proud and strong -- and together we will rebuild. God bless the great state of West Virginia, her people and God Bless the United States of America."

Flood Relief Efforts:

Starting the morning after the flooding, Senate President Bill Cole has visited the emergency operation centers in Clendenin, Elkview, Summersville, Webster Springs and White Sulphur Springs. He also was at the state emergency command center on Friday, June 24, 2016, and he spent time at the National Guard command center in Lewisburg last week.
During his visit to the command center in Summersville, President Cole was alerted to the lack of tetanus shots for the area as they were being diverted to other places. He immediately made sure the state solved the problem and had 700 vaccines delivered from Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Center for Disease Control.
Immediately after the flooding, Bill Cole set up collection centers at all of his dealerships. He also arranged for his businesses to serve as a delivery service for local churches and other civic groups that were collecting items and have them delivered.
Bill Cole has helped deliver more than 20 tons of water, food, diapers, paper towels, cleaning supplies, bleach, buckets, pillows, clothes, plastic bags and personal hygiene items to each of the heavily impacted regions of the state including the United Way sorting center in Beckley, Big Otter, Clendenin, Hinton, Rainelle and White Sulphur Springs. The dealerships will continue to collect and deliver items in the weeks ahead.
He has coordinated for semi truck loads of materials to be delivered directly to the American Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services and the United Way.

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