Alliance For Response Pittsburgh

05/01/2025

AFR hopes everyone impacted by the recent storms is doing well. Please be aware that we have more weather on the way this weekend, May 1-4.

The fire chief for Edgewood Pa VFD posted the following information and reminder:

Another round of severe weather is moving into our area starting this afternoon and continuing through Sunday. The National Weather Service is forecasting multiple waves of thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy rain.

Given the existing storm damage, this system has the potential to cause additional infrastructure failures, especially involving weakened trees and power lines.
-If you have vehicles parked under tree limbs or near damaged poles—move them if they aren't entangled in wires.
-Avoid walking under any branches or structures that look compromised.
-If your home took roof damage in the last storm, please work with your insurance company to get a tarp in place now to prevent further water intrusion as soon as possible.

🔎 Weather at a glance:

Thursday: Showers & storms, gusts to 21 mph, 80% chance of rain

Friday: Showers & storms likely, gusts to 14 mph, 70% chance

Saturday: Thunderstorms expected, heavy rain, up to 0.75" possible

Sunday: More showers and storms possible, 60% chance

⚠️ Safety Reminders:

Stay far away from any downed wires—assume they’re live.

Use flashlights, not candles, if you lose power.

Be careful using generators—keep them outside, away from vents or windows.

06/07/2024

It's perfect weather to have a BBQ! Be sure to cook safely.
Ready PA also suggests positioning your grill 10 feet away from your house, trees, or other potentially flammable materials. Do not let children use the grill or leave it unattended when children are near. Have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case. Learn more about being prepared at ready.pa.gov and don't forget to sign up for their helpful newsletter.

11/02/2023

We are hosting a workshop on Nov. 16th on collection concerns with moving and renovating. This workshop is funded by an FAIC microgrant - hope you can make it!

Moving and Renovations: Collection Concerns Renovation and construction projects in your facility can present significant risks to your collections. In this free half-day workshop, you will learn the most common risks for collections, risks for personnel, strategies for risk mitigation, and issues

08/11/2023

It's almost that time. . . Back to School! Do you have a plan to reach others in case of emergency? Be sure your students know:

Talk it through! If a disaster happens, knowing who to call and where to meet is an important part of emergency planning for you and your family.
•Who should you contact? Pick one main contact locally and one contact out of town who may be easier to reach during a disaster.
•Text, don’t talk. Texting may be easier during a disaster and frees up phonelines for first responders.
•Where should we meet? Decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite. If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, and outside of your city or town so you’re prepared for any situation.
•Practice Makes Perfect. Practice your plan. Put pen to paper and make sure everyone in your family has copies of your plan. Hold regular meetings as a family to review your plan.
•Don't forget to check your emergency kit for expired items and items that need to be refreshed.

05/05/2023

National Wildfire Awareness Month

This very timely. In April over 162 acres burned in the Allegheny National Forest and over 4,370 acres burned in Luzerne County. According to the York Daily Record, "In 2022, 1,036 wildfires were reported in Pennsylvania, and 99% were human caused."

The greatest danger of wildfires in Pennsylvania occurs during the spring months of March, April and May, and the autumn months of October and November. In Pennsylvania, 99% of all wildfires are caused by people. There are certain conditions that are necessary for a wildfire to occur:
• An available fuel source, such as dried grass or leaves
• Dry conditions, including low relative humidity
• An ignition source, a way for the fire to start
There are things you can do to help protect 16.6 million acres of forestland in Pennsylvania.
• Be mindful when building bonfires, burning trash, smoking, or any activity outdoors that could potentially spark a wildfire.
• Check with your township for burn bans and local ordinances on debris burning.
• Visit the Smokey Bear website here for more information.
You can check for wildfire danger conditions that are happening now and if any are expected.
• The Observed Wildfire Danger Map (PDF) shows observed wildfire danger conditions and is updated daily.
• The Wildfire Danger Forecast Map (PDF) shows expected wildfire danger conditions and is updated daily.
To learn more, visit here: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire/Pages/default.aspx

04/17/2023

PA Severe Weather Awareness Week
April 17-21, 2023
April features “Severe Weather Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania. Although thunderstorms can happen any time of the year, as the seasons change into spring and summer, often the ingredients needed to make thunderstorms become more abundant. Thunderstorm hazards include tornadoes, damaging wind, large hail, flooding rain, and lightning.
The National Weather Service is the only authority that issues watches and warnings for these storms if there is a potential threat to life or property. Let’s talk about what you should do before, during, and after a thunderstorm.
BEFORE:
• Know where you live, work, and travel most often. Severe weather alerts are issued by geographic regions.
• Have at least two methods to receive severe weather alerts, such as a cell phone, TV, NOAA Weather Radio.
• Monitor the forecast regularly to plan activities around storms.
DURING:
• If you see lightning or hear thunder, seek shelter indoors as quickly as possible.
• Move to the lowest floor and avoid windows, plumbing, and corded electronics.
• If stuck outdoors, avoid tall objects such as trees and radio towers, seek the nearest enclosed shelter.
AFTER:
• Monitor a source of weather information and don’t go back outdoors until it’s deemed safe (at least one-half hour after the last rumble of thunder).
• Check on family members and neighbors to see if they are ok or need assistance.
• Assess damages and report any life-threatening issues to 9-1-1. Take photos and report other damages to the NWS and insurance if necessary.
• Avoid walking through any damaged areas and stay away from flood waters or downed utilities.

12/23/2022

As winter weather is arriving, please be prepared and safe.

09/12/2022

September is National Preparedness Month! The theme is “A Lasting Legacy: The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.” Visit https://www.ready.pa.gov/ to learn more

05/06/2022

The tragic historical event centered in Donora, PA in October 1948 woke the modern world up to the dangers of poor air quality. Many locations across the world now monitor and track air quality: https://www.airnow.gov/international/us-embassies-and-consulates/

04/29/2022

🎙 We released a new podcast episode yesterday about the importance of working with other agencies during a disaster. Hurricane season will be here before you know it, so don't miss this great discussion with our Administrator U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) Director.

You can download this episode and more here: fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/podcast

03/15/2022

Did you know that where it can rain, it can flood? A property does not need to be near water to
flood. More than 40% of all National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood claims come from outside
high-risk areas. Be prepared for flooding: bit.ly/ReadyPA-Flood
People often underestimate the force and power of water.
• 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult
• 1 foot of rushing water can carry away most cars
• 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks
It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood water.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3lRoxWd

Additionally, you don't know what those flood waters are carrying. You could come in contact with sewage, oil, gasoline, and other harmful chemicals by wading into the water.

For collections care, it's important to keep items off the floor. Have plenty of plastic sheeting available to prevent items from becoming wet from ceiling leaks and to provide a clean surface for triage if items to become wet.

Don't forget to check your disaster cache! Do you have adequate supplies? Are batteries outdated? Does your equipment still function?

Every year in the United States, flooding destroys thousands of homes, causes billions of dollars in damages and tragically claims lives. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Pennsylvania. Where it can rain, it can flood (PDF) – so no matter where you live, you should be prepared for a ...

09/22/2021

Heads up everyone in the Western PA, Eastern Ohio, and Northern West Virginia!

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia until 10 PM EDT