Governor Tom Corbett has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, to extend its May 24 deadline for Pennsylvania to request a major disaster declaration for damage from recent severe storms.
The governor said that flooding, high winds and tornadoes have battered much of the state....
"Repeated heavy rains here and in neighboring states have left rivers and streams running higher and faster than normal. In addition, with each storm local officials are busy with critical life safety and property preservation efforts than can delay their opportunity to thoroughly assess damages in a timely manner."
The governor said the extension would give local and state officials needed time to assess infrastructure damage that currently can't be seen due to high water and inaccessible roadways particularly in rural areas.
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Local Red Cross Volunteers Help in Alabama
The devastating tornadoes that hit the South Wednesday are now the second deadliest outbreak in U.S. history with 339 fatalities.
In 1925, 747 people were killed in a line of storms that ripped through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
Emergency buildings are wiped out, and in one neighborhood, the storms even left firefighters to work without a truck.
Alabama suffered the most destruction from the tornadoes with at least 248 deaths. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley says 1,700 people were injured by the tornadoes.
The American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania has deployed 2 emergency response vehicles (ERV) and 4 volunteers to Hoover, Alabama to help victims of the storms. The volunteers, Phil Shumway of Carnegie, Tom Palmquist of Bethel Park, Kenneth Brown of Pleasant Hills and Carole Magargee of Greenville, Mercer County left last night and are driving the ERV's to Alabama. They will assist with the mobile feeding of victims. Their deployments are expected to last 2 to 3 weeks but the Red Cross says the ERV's could remain on site longer.
In 1925, 747 people were killed in a line of storms that ripped through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
Emergency buildings are wiped out, and in one neighborhood, the storms even left firefighters to work without a truck.
Alabama suffered the most destruction from the tornadoes with at least 248 deaths. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley says 1,700 people were injured by the tornadoes.
The American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania has deployed 2 emergency response vehicles (ERV) and 4 volunteers to Hoover, Alabama to help victims of the storms. The volunteers, Phil Shumway of Carnegie, Tom Palmquist of Bethel Park, Kenneth Brown of Pleasant Hills and Carole Magargee of Greenville, Mercer County left last night and are driving the ERV's to Alabama. They will assist with the mobile feeding of victims. Their deployments are expected to last 2 to 3 weeks but the Red Cross says the ERV's could remain on site longer.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Major Storm Wreaks Havoc in Westmoreland
A funnel cloud that may have been a tornado tore through Westmoreland County yesterday, damaging homes and businesses in its path. No major injuries or deaths have been reported.
The storm hit hardest in Hempfield Township, where the Hempfield Area School District announced an emergency closure after the high school sustained heavy damage to its stadium and auditorium. Many homes in the Greensburg-area community had their roofs ripped off by the high-speed wind, and several were totally destroyed.
Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Balya says about 30 homes total were damaged, 20 being in Hempfield and 10 in Sewickley Township.
The storm also pelted large hailstones and heavy rain throughout the region.
Westmoreland County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Dan Stevens says the storm caused millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses. Stevens says it's amazing nobody was killed or severely injured.
"24 years working for Westmoreland County Emergency Services, and this is the worst storm I've ever seen here in Westmoreland County,” says Stevens. “This is definitely what I’ve coined the ‘March Miracle’ with regard to this storm: nobody injured, nobody killed, and we can replace all the stuff that was damaged and broken.”
Red Cross of Westmoreland County Executive Director Donna Pacella says her team of about 50 responders was able to give food and shelter to several people last night.
“We anticipate more today, simply because we’re going out into the neighborhoods today to do noble feedings with our emergency response vehicles around lunchtime today,” says Pacella. “We also have a shelter available for people at Hempfield Municipal Building in Hempfield Township.”
The National Weather Service is investigating the damage and will decide today if the storm was a tornado.
The storm hit hardest in Hempfield Township, where the Hempfield Area School District announced an emergency closure after the high school sustained heavy damage to its stadium and auditorium. Many homes in the Greensburg-area community had their roofs ripped off by the high-speed wind, and several were totally destroyed.
Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Balya says about 30 homes total were damaged, 20 being in Hempfield and 10 in Sewickley Township.
The storm also pelted large hailstones and heavy rain throughout the region.
Westmoreland County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Dan Stevens says the storm caused millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses. Stevens says it's amazing nobody was killed or severely injured.
"24 years working for Westmoreland County Emergency Services, and this is the worst storm I've ever seen here in Westmoreland County,” says Stevens. “This is definitely what I’ve coined the ‘March Miracle’ with regard to this storm: nobody injured, nobody killed, and we can replace all the stuff that was damaged and broken.”
Red Cross of Westmoreland County Executive Director Donna Pacella says her team of about 50 responders was able to give food and shelter to several people last night.
“We anticipate more today, simply because we’re going out into the neighborhoods today to do noble feedings with our emergency response vehicles around lunchtime today,” says Pacella. “We also have a shelter available for people at Hempfield Municipal Building in Hempfield Township.”
The National Weather Service is investigating the damage and will decide today if the storm was a tornado.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Flooding Through Pittsburgh Area Continues
Rain is expected to continue in Pittsburgh into this evening turning into snow around two in the morning. The rain along with melting snow is leading to flooding throughout the region.
John Darnley, Forecaster for the National Weather Service, the Ohio River and its tributaries will flood soon. "When we talk about this type of flooding along the Ohio River. It's the type where the Wheeling Island floods at 38 (feet) and it's forecast to go to 41.6. So we're looking for some minor to major flooding all along the Ohio with just some moderate flooding throughout the Monongahela through Pittsburgh."
Darnley says that the Mon Wharf will be flooded through the beginning of next week into Tuesday. He says the Point along with the Tenth Street Bypass will flood at midnight tonight, with the Parkway Central flooding at 8 am tomorrow during rush hour.
John Darnley, Forecaster for the National Weather Service, the Ohio River and its tributaries will flood soon. "When we talk about this type of flooding along the Ohio River. It's the type where the Wheeling Island floods at 38 (feet) and it's forecast to go to 41.6. So we're looking for some minor to major flooding all along the Ohio with just some moderate flooding throughout the Monongahela through Pittsburgh."
Darnley says that the Mon Wharf will be flooded through the beginning of next week into Tuesday. He says the Point along with the Tenth Street Bypass will flood at midnight tonight, with the Parkway Central flooding at 8 am tomorrow during rush hour.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Severe Weather in Southwestern PA
High winds and heavy rain are greeting southwester Pennsylvania residents this morning. The National Weather Service has issued a severe Thunderstorm warning for the region through 8:15 Monday morning, a Flood Warning for urban areas and small streams until 12:45 pm and a Tornado Watch until 1:00 pm. Commuters in the Pittsburgh area are finding areas of standing water on roadways and limited visibility during heavy downpours. Emergency services in various municipalities in Allegheny County are reporting a few downed trees. Officials in Mercer County are reporting some roads are cover with water this morning. Power companies in the region are reporting scattered outages but no major problems. Commuters should leave extra time for their ride into work.
UPDATE: The National Weather Service at 8:04 issued a Flash Flood Warning for all of Allegheny County until Noon Monday.
UPDATE: 8:28 AM... Girty's Run, Little Pine Creek and Deer Creek are reported to be rising quickly. Girty's Run rose 3 feet in the past 30 minutes. Ross Township and Deer Township are reporting flooded roads and basements.
UPDATE: The National Weather Service at 8:04 issued a Flash Flood Warning for all of Allegheny County until Noon Monday.
UPDATE: 8:28 AM... Girty's Run, Little Pine Creek and Deer Creek are reported to be rising quickly. Girty's Run rose 3 feet in the past 30 minutes. Ross Township and Deer Township are reporting flooded roads and basements.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Pgh. Public Works: Clear Your Sidewalk
Pittsburgh’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance is back in effect this season after a brief suspension last winter.
Pittsburghers are expected to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall. Public Works Director Rob Kaczorowski says if residents or businesses don’t comply, they’ll be given warnings for first offenses and $25 fines subsequently.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl put a moratorium on the rule for last February’s blizzard, but Kaczorowski says that suspension was lifted after the state of emergency expired. He says renters should check with property owners to find out if they should clean up or not.
“That would be under the lease agreement, who maintains the property, whether it’s the tenant or the landlord who’s responsible for it,” says Kaczorowski. “Obviously, we don’t know who every tenant is, so we would send to the property owner the warning to have the sidewalk cleared.”
Kaczorowski says most citations result from complaints or requests from city residents.
The Public Works Director says there is no heavy snow expected in the coming week, but his crews will be ready to plow Pittsburgh’s 1200 miles of street even with 1 or 2 inches. He says his department has stayed within the expected response times for snow removal so far this year.
Pittsburghers are expected to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall. Public Works Director Rob Kaczorowski says if residents or businesses don’t comply, they’ll be given warnings for first offenses and $25 fines subsequently.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl put a moratorium on the rule for last February’s blizzard, but Kaczorowski says that suspension was lifted after the state of emergency expired. He says renters should check with property owners to find out if they should clean up or not.
“That would be under the lease agreement, who maintains the property, whether it’s the tenant or the landlord who’s responsible for it,” says Kaczorowski. “Obviously, we don’t know who every tenant is, so we would send to the property owner the warning to have the sidewalk cleared.”
Kaczorowski says most citations result from complaints or requests from city residents.
The Public Works Director says there is no heavy snow expected in the coming week, but his crews will be ready to plow Pittsburgh’s 1200 miles of street even with 1 or 2 inches. He says his department has stayed within the expected response times for snow removal so far this year.
Monday, December 13, 2010
City Crews React to Snowfall
With about an inch and a half of snow falling on the region today, the Pittsburgh Public Works got another test run in road treatment in preparation for a larger storm. Bob Kaczorowski, Director of the Public works, says that today’s clean up went well, but the start of the snowfall wasn’t prime for clean-up efforts.
“The timing of the storm was such that coming in at 3:30 it was a little tough for us to get to everything in that timeframe before morning rush,” Kaczorowski says.
Public Works has developed a new plan at the urging of city council and the mayor that created emergency routes that supersede the primary and secondary routes of the city. In the event of a large unexpected snowfall the likes of which the region received last February.
While the plan hasn’t been utilized yet this season, Kaczorowski has voiced his confidence that in the case of an emergency snowstorm, the essential routes in and out of the city will be the first cleared and then closely monitored. According to Kaczorowski there are about 220 miles of snow emergency routes selected from the roughly 792 miles of primary routes that are designated as the emergency routes in case of a blizzard-like snowfall.
Kaczorowski suggests that drivers who do not need to leave their houses do just that in the event of a snowstorm. For those who have to get to work, he suggests leaving early and being patient with the likely delays caused from the snow clean-up and inevitable accidents.
“The timing of the storm was such that coming in at 3:30 it was a little tough for us to get to everything in that timeframe before morning rush,” Kaczorowski says.
Public Works has developed a new plan at the urging of city council and the mayor that created emergency routes that supersede the primary and secondary routes of the city. In the event of a large unexpected snowfall the likes of which the region received last February.
While the plan hasn’t been utilized yet this season, Kaczorowski has voiced his confidence that in the case of an emergency snowstorm, the essential routes in and out of the city will be the first cleared and then closely monitored. According to Kaczorowski there are about 220 miles of snow emergency routes selected from the roughly 792 miles of primary routes that are designated as the emergency routes in case of a blizzard-like snowfall.
Kaczorowski suggests that drivers who do not need to leave their houses do just that in the event of a snowstorm. For those who have to get to work, he suggests leaving early and being patient with the likely delays caused from the snow clean-up and inevitable accidents.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Task Force Issues Snow Report
Nearly 8 months after a February storm dumped two feet of snow on the city of Pittsburgh, blocking neighborhood streets for several days, a City Council Snow Emergency Task Force has issued its report and recommendations on how to hand future snow emergencies and other "natural disasters."
Task Force Chair, Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak says the report includes 9 key recommendations including.....
--Developing streamlined emergency contracting procedures
--Investing in heavy plowing equipment for the Department of Public Works
--Implementing a GPS routing system for emergency vehicles, including snow plows
--Updating the City’s emergency operations manual, as it currently includes no written plan for snow or other weather related emergencies
Under the recommendations, city officials could ask residents not to park or even drive on key city routes.
Rudiak says she hopes this report will prompt some changes .... “Ultimately, the Mayor is responsible for making the types of operational changes recommended in the report. My hope is that this document will be taken seriously and used as a constructive step forward in bettering our city services.”
Public Works Director Robert Kaczorowski told the Post-Gazette he would issue a state of the art snow plan by early November, and he doesn't know how much experience Council members have with snow removal.
Task Force Chair, Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak says the report includes 9 key recommendations including.....
--Developing streamlined emergency contracting procedures
--Investing in heavy plowing equipment for the Department of Public Works
--Implementing a GPS routing system for emergency vehicles, including snow plows
--Updating the City’s emergency operations manual, as it currently includes no written plan for snow or other weather related emergencies
Under the recommendations, city officials could ask residents not to park or even drive on key city routes.
Rudiak says she hopes this report will prompt some changes .... “Ultimately, the Mayor is responsible for making the types of operational changes recommended in the report. My hope is that this document will be taken seriously and used as a constructive step forward in bettering our city services.”
Public Works Director Robert Kaczorowski told the Post-Gazette he would issue a state of the art snow plan by early November, and he doesn't know how much experience Council members have with snow removal.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September is National Preparedness Month
Governor Ed Rendell has declared September “National Preparedness Month” in Pennsylvania, in light of the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Robert French says families should create emergency kits and plans. French says each family’s kit and plan will be different, according to particular circumstances like medical conditions or pets.
The PEMA chief says floods, snowstorms and fires are the most common disasters in this region.
“The truth is, though, that if you can do those, you can go ahead and plan for a whole host of other things, like man-made or natural disaster events.”
French says families should be able to survive for 72 hours while waiting for emergency responders to help. He says parents should help neighbors out or volunteer with local emergency crews if they want to expand their preparedness to a community scope.
PEMA has posted a website to help Pennsylvanians create emergency kits and disaster plans.
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Robert French says families should create emergency kits and plans. French says each family’s kit and plan will be different, according to particular circumstances like medical conditions or pets.
The PEMA chief says floods, snowstorms and fires are the most common disasters in this region.
“The truth is, though, that if you can do those, you can go ahead and plan for a whole host of other things, like man-made or natural disaster events.”
French says families should be able to survive for 72 hours while waiting for emergency responders to help. He says parents should help neighbors out or volunteer with local emergency crews if they want to expand their preparedness to a community scope.
PEMA has posted a website to help Pennsylvanians create emergency kits and disaster plans.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Senior Centers Extend Hours
With high temperatures forecast for the upper 80's to low 90's this week in southwestern Pennsylvania, the city of Pittsburgh is again extending the hours at 2 senior centers. The Homewood and South Side Healthy-Active Living Centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow August 3 through Thursday Aug. 5 to provide residents 60 or older with cooling stations.
A city spokeswoman says refreshments will be provided along with games including billiards as well as Internet access.
Locations:
South Side - 12th Street & Bingham Street - 412.488.8404
Homewood - 7321 Frankstown Avenue – 412.244.4190
A city spokeswoman says refreshments will be provided along with games including billiards as well as Internet access.
Locations:
South Side - 12th Street & Bingham Street - 412.488.8404
Homewood - 7321 Frankstown Avenue – 412.244.4190
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Hot and Humid Conditions Return Friday
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement that alerts residents across much of Western Pennsylvania to be prepared for extreme hot and humid conditions Friday and Saturday.
The NWS says a warm front will cross the region Friday and Saturday with daytime highs expected to reach into the lower 90's. With increasing humidity levels, the heat index can reach 100 or more. The weather service advisory says residents should consider curtailing activities and drinking plenty of water. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Being in direct sunlight can make a person feel even 15 degrees hotter. Officials ask that residents check on elderly and others who may be impacted to a greater extent by the heat and humidity.
The counties under this special advisory are Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Mercer, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland.
The city of Pittsburgh is extending hours at two senior centers tomorrow. The Homewood and South Side Healthy-Active Living Centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday July 23 to provide seniors with cooling stations as temperatures are predicted to reach 90 degrees.
Refreshments will be provided during the extended hours and there will be games and internet access.
Locations:
South Side - 12th Street & Bingham Street - 412.488.8404
Homewood - 7321 Frankstown Avenue – 412.244.4190
The NWS says a warm front will cross the region Friday and Saturday with daytime highs expected to reach into the lower 90's. With increasing humidity levels, the heat index can reach 100 or more. The weather service advisory says residents should consider curtailing activities and drinking plenty of water. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Being in direct sunlight can make a person feel even 15 degrees hotter. Officials ask that residents check on elderly and others who may be impacted to a greater extent by the heat and humidity.
The counties under this special advisory are Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Mercer, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland.
The city of Pittsburgh is extending hours at two senior centers tomorrow. The Homewood and South Side Healthy-Active Living Centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday July 23 to provide seniors with cooling stations as temperatures are predicted to reach 90 degrees.
Refreshments will be provided during the extended hours and there will be games and internet access.
Locations:
South Side - 12th Street & Bingham Street - 412.488.8404
Homewood - 7321 Frankstown Avenue – 412.244.4190
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Heat Wave Continues
Because high temperatures in the Pittsburgh region are forecast for the low to mid-90's through Thursday, the city and Allegheny County are keeping some of their senior centers open till 7 in the evening today and tomorrow.
Among the most susceptible to the heat are very young children and the elderly. Mildred Morrison, Allegheny County Administrator for the Area Agency on the Aging, encourages residents to check in on their elderly neighbors.
Thousands of people will be standing around in the hot weather attending the U.S. Women's Open in Oakmont. The final practice round is today and the first round gets underway Thursday morning.
Dr. Adrian D'Amico, Director of Emergency Medicine at Forbes Regional Hospital, will be one of the attending physicians at the golf tournament. He advises patrons to take frequent breaks, get into the shade and drink plenty of water.
Pittsburgh’s extreme temperatures are forcing four Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP)locations without air conditioning to suspend afternoon service for the next two days. Spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes says the CLB branches in Lawrenceville, Mount Washington, South Side and West End will close at 1 pm today and Thursday, July 8. These locations, except for CLP – Mt. Washington, are already closed on Fridays.
Built between 1898 and 1900 the four libraries are not equipped with air conditioning, making building conditions uncomfortable for customers and staff.
Today is also another Air Quality Action Day .....Code Orange for high levels of ground ozone and particulates. The very young, the elderly and those with respiratory and heart troubles should limit outdoor activities.
The heat is not only affecting people but also their vehicles. West Penn AAA says that in the past 2 days, they have had a 35% increase in emergency calls for roadside service compared to the same 2 day period a year ago when it was cooler. Steve Popovich, the director of automotive services, says the heat is especially hard on batteries...."In fact, if the battery is older than two years, it should be tested by a qualified technician to make sure it has the starting power to handle the stress of extreme temperatures.”
Among the most susceptible to the heat are very young children and the elderly. Mildred Morrison, Allegheny County Administrator for the Area Agency on the Aging, encourages residents to check in on their elderly neighbors.
Thousands of people will be standing around in the hot weather attending the U.S. Women's Open in Oakmont. The final practice round is today and the first round gets underway Thursday morning.
Dr. Adrian D'Amico, Director of Emergency Medicine at Forbes Regional Hospital, will be one of the attending physicians at the golf tournament. He advises patrons to take frequent breaks, get into the shade and drink plenty of water.
Pittsburgh’s extreme temperatures are forcing four Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP)locations without air conditioning to suspend afternoon service for the next two days. Spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes says the CLB branches in Lawrenceville, Mount Washington, South Side and West End will close at 1 pm today and Thursday, July 8. These locations, except for CLP – Mt. Washington, are already closed on Fridays.
Built between 1898 and 1900 the four libraries are not equipped with air conditioning, making building conditions uncomfortable for customers and staff.
Today is also another Air Quality Action Day .....Code Orange for high levels of ground ozone and particulates. The very young, the elderly and those with respiratory and heart troubles should limit outdoor activities.
The heat is not only affecting people but also their vehicles. West Penn AAA says that in the past 2 days, they have had a 35% increase in emergency calls for roadside service compared to the same 2 day period a year ago when it was cooler. Steve Popovich, the director of automotive services, says the heat is especially hard on batteries...."In fact, if the battery is older than two years, it should be tested by a qualified technician to make sure it has the starting power to handle the stress of extreme temperatures.”
Brushfires Another Heat Risk
With the weather as hot and dry as it has been in Pennsylvania, the risk of brushfires is growing.
Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry Wildfire Operations Specialist Mike Kern says there were about 20 wildfires in the state over the holiday weekend.
“Over the summer we’ll respond to maybe, a ‘normal summer,’ I guess 20 to 50, so we went to 20 in a weekend,” says Kern.
Kern says dry spells like this can foster small fires that burn long, sometimes damaging tree roots. He says usually summer foliage is green and lush, and doesn’t burn well, but a heat wave can quickly dry up plants.
Kern says fires can happen as close as the backyard – burning debris, trash, or brush can become out of control. He says that machinery like brush mowers, lawnmowers, and weed whackers can also give off sparks that set fire to dry grass.
Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry Wildfire Operations Specialist Mike Kern says there were about 20 wildfires in the state over the holiday weekend.
“Over the summer we’ll respond to maybe, a ‘normal summer,’ I guess 20 to 50, so we went to 20 in a weekend,” says Kern.
Kern says dry spells like this can foster small fires that burn long, sometimes damaging tree roots. He says usually summer foliage is green and lush, and doesn’t burn well, but a heat wave can quickly dry up plants.
Kern says fires can happen as close as the backyard – burning debris, trash, or brush can become out of control. He says that machinery like brush mowers, lawnmowers, and weed whackers can also give off sparks that set fire to dry grass.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
County Senior Centers Extend Hours
Because of the extreme heat, some of the senior centers in Allegheny County will remain open longer than their usual hours of operation. Kathleen Burk, spokeswoman for the County Department of Human Services says these centers, designated as “Cooling Islands, will be open into the evening through Thursday July 8.
--Citiparks Homewood Center 7321 Frankstown Road, Homewood, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
412-244-4190
--Citiparks South Side "Market House" 12th and Bingham Streets, South Side 8a.m.-7p.m.
--New Image “Sharpsburg” Senior Center, 209 13th Street, Sharpsburg, 8:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.
412-781-1175, ext: 2107
--Highlands “Tarentum” Senior Center, 704 Second Avenue, Tarentum, 8:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.
724-224-1552
Burk says all county adults, age sixty and older, are welcome to visit any of the 62 county-funded senior centers during regular hours of operation to socialize and enjoy some activities while taking refuge from the heat. The “Cooling Islands” are available to those who would like to stay at a center later than usual to avoid the discomfort of the extremely warm weather.
A complete list of all Allegheny County senior centers
Department of Human Services tips for keeping cool.
--Citiparks Homewood Center 7321 Frankstown Road, Homewood, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
412-244-4190
--Citiparks South Side "Market House" 12th and Bingham Streets, South Side 8a.m.-7p.m.
--New Image “Sharpsburg” Senior Center, 209 13th Street, Sharpsburg, 8:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.
412-781-1175, ext: 2107
--Highlands “Tarentum” Senior Center, 704 Second Avenue, Tarentum, 8:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.
724-224-1552
Burk says all county adults, age sixty and older, are welcome to visit any of the 62 county-funded senior centers during regular hours of operation to socialize and enjoy some activities while taking refuge from the heat. The “Cooling Islands” are available to those who would like to stay at a center later than usual to avoid the discomfort of the extremely warm weather.
A complete list of all Allegheny County senior centers
Department of Human Services tips for keeping cool.
Heat and Humidity May Cause Health Problems
With temperatures soaring, medical professionals offer some advice - stay inside if possible, if you need to be outdoors, take frequent breaks, wear light clothing and drink plenty of water. The extreme weather might cause problems for the elderly, children, overweight people, and people with heart or respiratory problems.
Dr. Jon Rittenberger, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UPMC says heat related illnesses occur when the body, which normally cools itself by sweating doesn't sweat at a typical rate due to the humidity. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke should be tended to immediately when warning signs such as heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness or headache occur.
The health department suggests staying indoors preferably in an air conditioned environment and avoiding hot foods and heavy meals.
Dr. Jon Rittenberger, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UPMC says heat related illnesses occur when the body, which normally cools itself by sweating doesn't sweat at a typical rate due to the humidity. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke should be tended to immediately when warning signs such as heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness or headache occur.
The health department suggests staying indoors preferably in an air conditioned environment and avoiding hot foods and heavy meals.
4 Carnegie Library Branches Close Due to Heat
Pittsburgh’s heat and high humidity level is forcing four Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations to cancel scheduled programs and close temporarily. Spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes says the libraries are located in historic buildings and are not equipped with air conditioning.
The following libraries will close at 1 pm today.
CLP – Lawrenceville
279 Fisk Street
CLP – Mt. Washington
315 Grandview Avenue
CLP – South Side
2205 East Carson Street
CLP – West End
47 Wabash Avenue
Thinnes says officials will evaluate weather conditions, but expect to re-open the libraries tomorrow (July 7) Customers are encouraged to visit the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Web site for updates and to locate the closest neighboring library.
The following libraries will close at 1 pm today.
CLP – Lawrenceville
279 Fisk Street
CLP – Mt. Washington
315 Grandview Avenue
CLP – South Side
2205 East Carson Street
CLP – West End
47 Wabash Avenue
Thinnes says officials will evaluate weather conditions, but expect to re-open the libraries tomorrow (July 7) Customers are encouraged to visit the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Web site for updates and to locate the closest neighboring library.
Senior Center Hours Extend to Help Beat the Heat
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is encouraging older Pittsburghers to take advantage of extended hours at the city’s senior centers during this week’s heat wave.
Mayoral spokeswoman Joanna Doven says the Homewood and South Side senior centers will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., instead of closing at 4:00 p.m. as is usual.
Doven says the centers have entertainment, not to mention air conditioning. Games, refreshments, and internet access are there for the elderly as they escape the heat. There is no age requirement to get in – Doven says anyone in dire need of cooling is welcome.
Doven says if you are a senior who doesn’t have transportation to one of these centers, call the senior center director nearest you:
South Side – 12th Street and Bingham Street: (412) 488-8404
Homewood – 7321 Frankstown Avenue: (412) 244-4190
Mayoral spokeswoman Joanna Doven says the Homewood and South Side senior centers will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., instead of closing at 4:00 p.m. as is usual.
Doven says the centers have entertainment, not to mention air conditioning. Games, refreshments, and internet access are there for the elderly as they escape the heat. There is no age requirement to get in – Doven says anyone in dire need of cooling is welcome.
Doven says if you are a senior who doesn’t have transportation to one of these centers, call the senior center director nearest you:
South Side – 12th Street and Bingham Street: (412) 488-8404
Homewood – 7321 Frankstown Avenue: (412) 244-4190
Heat Wave Dries Out Western Pa. Crops
Local farmers are grappling with the heat wave that recently settled over the region.
Ed Shenot of Shenot Farms in Wexford says keeping plants healthy during intense heat costs extra time and money. Shenot says many farmers are scrambling to water their crops as the heat wave dries them.
“We’re set up for drip irrigation on a lot of our crops, which requires less water,” says Shenot. “We’re not sprinkling it in the air. We’re putting it directly into the ground so the roots can take it up, but we’re just constantly going from one crop to another, doing this procedure.”
Shenot says the heat won’t affect current harvest yields in a major way, but he is still taking precautions with his plants.
“When we are harvesting, we have to get it in shade or get it in irrigation as soon as possible,” says Shenot.
Sweet corn, squash, cabbage, and zucchini can all be harvested near this time of year.
Ed Shenot of Shenot Farms in Wexford says keeping plants healthy during intense heat costs extra time and money. Shenot says many farmers are scrambling to water their crops as the heat wave dries them.
“We’re set up for drip irrigation on a lot of our crops, which requires less water,” says Shenot. “We’re not sprinkling it in the air. We’re putting it directly into the ground so the roots can take it up, but we’re just constantly going from one crop to another, doing this procedure.”
Shenot says the heat won’t affect current harvest yields in a major way, but he is still taking precautions with his plants.
“When we are harvesting, we have to get it in shade or get it in irrigation as soon as possible,” says Shenot.
Sweet corn, squash, cabbage, and zucchini can all be harvested near this time of year.
Heat, Humidity Prompt Health Alert
High temperatures are forecast to remain in the low to mid 90's through Thursday in the Pittsburgh area and that has led the Allegheny County Health Department to issue a health alert.
Department Director Dr. Bruce Dixon says extreme heat and humidity forecast for this week can pose serious problems for the elderly, infants and children up to the age of four, the overweight, people who work or exercise outdoors, and people with heart or respiratory problems.
Dixon says heat-related illness occurs when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but sometimes this cooling mechanism breaks down and the body temperature rises rapidly, triggering heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat. Warning signs include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting. Dixon says seek medical attention immediately, if the symptoms are severe or if the person has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim cool off, and seek medical attention if the symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
Dixon says heat stroke is a more serious and potentially life-threatening condition and occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature and the sweating mechanism fails. Warning signs may include a body temperature above 103F; red, hot and dry skin, due to no sweating; a rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea, confusion; and unconsciousness. Death or permanent disability may result without emergency treatment. Dixon says cool the victim rapidly by any means available until paramedics arrive.
Department Director Dr. Bruce Dixon says extreme heat and humidity forecast for this week can pose serious problems for the elderly, infants and children up to the age of four, the overweight, people who work or exercise outdoors, and people with heart or respiratory problems.
Dixon says heat-related illness occurs when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but sometimes this cooling mechanism breaks down and the body temperature rises rapidly, triggering heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat. Warning signs include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting. Dixon says seek medical attention immediately, if the symptoms are severe or if the person has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim cool off, and seek medical attention if the symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
Dixon says heat stroke is a more serious and potentially life-threatening condition and occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature and the sweating mechanism fails. Warning signs may include a body temperature above 103F; red, hot and dry skin, due to no sweating; a rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea, confusion; and unconsciousness. Death or permanent disability may result without emergency treatment. Dixon says cool the victim rapidly by any means available until paramedics arrive.
3rd Straight Air Quality Action Day in Pittsburgh
With the high temperature forecast for the low 90's, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Southwest PA Air Quality Partnership, have declared an Air Quality Action Day for the Pittsburgh region today. It's a Code Orange day for both ground level ozone and particulate pollution.
***Those with respiratory and heart conditions and the elderly and the very young should limit outdoor activities.***
So for today, expect another sultry, sunny and steamy day to unfold across the region. According to the Air Quality Partnership, the level of stagnation of the past couple of days will continue. There will be very little horizontal and vertical mixing across the area as the overall atmosphere remains stable.
The best chance of some relief from this pattern won't come until the weekend when a cold front passes through.
Here are some Air Quality Action Day tips you can follow to help reduce pollution:
Days when ozone levels are expected to be high:
* Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
* Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
* Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
* Combine errands and reduce trips.
* Limit engine idling.
* Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.
Days when particle pollution levels are expected to be high:
* Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
* Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
* Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.
***Those with respiratory and heart conditions and the elderly and the very young should limit outdoor activities.***
So for today, expect another sultry, sunny and steamy day to unfold across the region. According to the Air Quality Partnership, the level of stagnation of the past couple of days will continue. There will be very little horizontal and vertical mixing across the area as the overall atmosphere remains stable.
The best chance of some relief from this pattern won't come until the weekend when a cold front passes through.
Here are some Air Quality Action Day tips you can follow to help reduce pollution:
Days when ozone levels are expected to be high:
* Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
* Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
* Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
* Combine errands and reduce trips.
* Limit engine idling.
* Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.
Days when particle pollution levels are expected to be high:
* Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
* Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
* Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.
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