Alliance For Response Pittsburgh

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

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.

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