Emergency crews are keeping waterways under scrutiny as the potential for flooding looms over the Ohio Valley.

A flood watch is in effect Thursday evening through Sunday evening for many parts of the Ohio Valley.

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As of Wednesday, crews said their biggest concern is the Ohio River. In response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to reduce the water levels at 16 reservoirs upstream to compensate for a potential influx of water in the river.

Werner Loehlein, chief of the water management branch in the corps' Pittsburgh district, said, "Whatever higher water is experienced, is coming from uncontrolled tributaries, that will cause flooding. So, the reservoirs -- during an extreme event -- will reduce the flood crest by about 10 feet."

In some Ohio Valley counties, every inch of water counts for homes and businesses. Brooke County Sheriff Richard Ferguson said he is already involved in preparedness meetings.

Ferguson said emergency crews will focus on public safety and will aid towns should flooding occur. The Sheriff's Department has also teamed up with the Emergency Management Agency and an operations center will be set up at Wellsburg's bus garage.

Further, Ferguson said the department is adjusting its phone system to accommodate more calls at the operation center.

In the meantime, the Emergency Management Agency will begin Thursday morning removing large trees that may clog up streams and creeks near thousands of homes.

Local fire departments are also preparing and will be available to pump water out of homes and help residents get to safety should there be a need.

In Marshall County, officials met Wednesday to discuss suggestion on how to improve safety, security and emergency response.

Police chiefs and firefighters there joined 911 officials and the Sheriff's Department for a briefing on the current weather situation said they will continue to receive updates throughout the week.

Currently, officials said Marshall County residents simply need to monitor the weather forecast. While EMA representatives said they don't want people to panic, they do want people in flood-prone areas to come up with an escape plan; for example, arranging to stay with family members.

"If we have people who decide not to prepare or get ready for the potential of flooding, not only do they put themselves at risk but they also put public safety folks at risk and can put friends and families at risk," said Tom Hart, Marshall County EMA director.

In the meeting, the group made some changes to how they respond to flooding. For example, officials are working with a local outreach group to store and distribute supplies like water rather than have residents pick those supplies up on their own.

"(We’re) making sure that everybody's on board and all the information's the same, because rumor control is another concern. (We're) making sure that everybody's on the same page with what's going on," Hart said.

The Marshall County group also discussed tightening security in flooded areas to keep people away who are just trying to get a look at what's going on and possibly getting in the way of help.

Flooding preparations are also in full-swing in Hancock County. All county fire departments were briefed in a meeting Tuesday night and officials said all hands will be on deck should it be necessary.

At the New Cumberland Fire Department, boats are parked alongside fire trucks. EMA Director John Paul Jones said he is coordinating supplies that might be needed if a flood hits, including getting extra water pumps, mops and buckets as well as shelter supplies like cots, blankets and water.

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