Brooke County's EMA Director Bob Fowler said the Ohio Valley really dodged a bullet when dealing with this latest flood threat.

Fowler said, "We were looking at a 2 or 3 feet over the flood stage, and it would have been pretty devastating to some of the areas of Brooke County."

Fire departments prepared for the worst, right alongside homeowners.

Fowler said, "The Wellsburg Fire Department had purchased some additional pumps to pump water out of basements, and it gave us a great chance to test out our procedures."

But that's about all it did. All the money spent to prepare for the flood is gone.

Fowler said, "When FEMA decides we'll get a reimbursement, it's so much money per your population."

With no flood, there's no damage, and no cash for reimbursement. That's the case even with the governor's state of emergency declaration.

Fowler said, "The prep money is lost, but it's not really lost. We'll be ready for the next disaster we may have."

Residents all along the Ohio River are also seeing the glass as half-full when it comes to this close call.

Bill Seabright of Wheeling, W.Va., said, "The best $200 I spent. And if we don't get 39 or 40 feet, hey, I'm the happiest guy alive. I'll spend it every year if that's what it takes to keep the water away."