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Emergency Preparedness Guide

Emergencies and disasters can strike at any time with little or no warning. While we cannot always prevent emergencies, we can prepare for them. Being prepared means having a plan, assembling emergency supplies, staying informed, and knowing what to do when disaster strikes.

Baldwin Fire Rescue encourages all residents to take emergency preparedness seriously. Whether facing severe weather, power outages, natural disasters, or other emergencies, prepared families fare better and recover faster. This guide provides essential information to help you and your family prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Remember: In any life-threatening emergency, always call 911 immediately.

Why Emergency Preparedness Matters

Pennsylvania and the Baldwin Borough area can experience various emergencies and natural disasters including severe storms, flooding, winter weather, power outages, and more. Emergency preparedness provides:

Safety & Survival

  • Protects lives of family members
  • Reduces injury risk during emergencies
  • Provides resources to shelter safely
  • Ensures access to critical medications
  • Enables safe evacuation if needed

Self-Sufficiency

  • Allows self-care for 72 hours minimum
  • Reduces dependency on overwhelmed services
  • Provides food, water, shelter independently
  • Maintains critical communications
  • Supports neighbors who may need help

Peace of Mind

  • Reduces panic and stress during crisis
  • Provides confidence in your response
  • Protects vulnerable family members
  • Gives sense of control in chaotic situations
  • Allows focus on safety, not supplies

Faster Recovery

  • Enables quicker return to normal life
  • Protects property and possessions
  • Maintains important documents safely
  • Provides financial resources for recovery
  • Reduces overall impact of disaster

Community Resilience

  • Prepared neighbors help each other
  • Reduces strain on emergency services
  • Strengthens neighborhood bonds
  • Speeds community-wide recovery
  • Creates culture of mutual aid

Financial Protection

  • Insurance documents ready for claims
  • Cash on hand when ATMs are down
  • Home inventory documented for losses
  • Prevents costly last-minute purchases
  • Reduces disaster-related debt

The Four Pillars of Emergency Preparedness

Effective emergency preparedness rests on four foundational pillars:

  1. 1. Make a Plan
    Develop comprehensive family emergency plans covering communication, reunification, evacuation, and sheltering. Ensure all family members understand the plan and their roles. Practice plans regularly through drills and discussions.
  2. 2. Build a Kit
    Assemble emergency supply kits for home, vehicles, and workplace. Include food, water, medicine, first aid, tools, and other essentials to sustain your family for at least 72 hours without outside assistance.
  3. 3. Stay Informed
    Know what emergencies can happen in your area and how to receive alerts and warnings. Sign up for emergency notification systems. Monitor weather forecasts and official information sources during emergencies.
  4. 4. Get Involved
    Participate in community preparedness efforts. Learn first aid and CPR. Consider CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training. Help neighbors who may need assistance preparing for emergencies.

Family Emergency Plan

A family emergency plan helps everyone know what to do before, during, and after an emergency. Your plan should address several key areas:

Communication Plan

During emergencies, normal communications may be disrupted. Plan multiple ways to communicate and share information:

Out-of-Area Contact Person

Designate a friend or relative who lives out of state as your family’s emergency contact. Sometimes it’s easier to make long-distance calls than local calls during disasters.

  • Choose someone everyone knows and can remember
  • Make sure all family members have the contact’s phone number
  • Program number into everyone’s cell phones
  • Tell the contact person they’ve been designated and explain their role
  • If separated, family members call this person to check in and leave messages

Family Contact Information

Ensure everyone has critical contact information readily available:

  • All family members’ cell phone numbers
  • Work and school phone numbers
  • Out-of-area emergency contact information
  • ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts programmed in phones
  • Written contact card in wallet/purse for each family member
  • Medical providers and medication information

Reunification Plan

If an emergency occurs when family members are separated, you need a plan to reunite:

Establish Meeting Places

  • Primary Meeting Place: Right outside your home (for house fires or immediate threats)
  • Neighborhood Meeting Place: Nearby location if you can’t return home (neighbor’s house, playground, corner store)
  • Out-of-Neighborhood Meeting Place: Location outside your immediate area if neighborhood is affected (relative’s home, library, school, church)
  • Regional Meeting Place: For large-scale evacuations (relative in another town, designated evacuation shelter)

Workplace & School Considerations

Understand your workplace and your children’s schools have their own emergency plans:

  • Know Workplace Plans: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, shelter locations, and communication protocols at work
  • Understand School Policies: Learn how schools will communicate with parents, where children will be taken during evacuations, and reunification procedures
  • Emergency Contacts: Ensure schools have current contact information and authorized emergency pickup persons
  • Work from Home Supplies: If you might shelter at work, consider keeping basic supplies in your workplace
  • School Pickup Plans: Designate backup persons authorized to pick up children if you cannot reach school

Special Needs Considerations

If family members have disabilities, medical needs, or other special considerations, incorporate these into your plan:

Medical Needs

  • Maintain supply of critical medications (2-week minimum)
  • List all medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors
  • Include medical equipment and batteries
  • Keep medical device operating instructions
  • Plan for medication refrigeration if power out
  • Contact providers about emergency prescription refills

Mobility Limitations

  • Plan evacuation assistance with specific helpers
  • Keep mobility devices accessible and functional
  • Consider evacuation from multi-story homes
  • Inform your local fire department about special needs
  • Ensure helpers know how to assist properly
  • Plan for evacuating medical equipment

Service Animals & Pets

  • Include service animals in evacuation plans
  • Maintain pet emergency supplies and carriers
  • Know which shelters accept pets (most don’t)
  • Plan alternate pet shelter (friends, kennels)
  • Keep current pet photos and vaccination records
  • Microchip pets and keep tags current

Language & Communication

  • Plan for non-English speaking family members
  • Have translated emergency information
  • For deaf/hard of hearing, plan visual alerts
  • For blind/low vision, practice evacuation routes
  • Consider communication devices and batteries
  • Pre-program emergency contact numbers

Children & Teens

  • Teach age-appropriate emergency skills
  • Ensure children know their full address
  • Practice calling 911 and giving information
  • Include comfort items to reduce anxiety
  • Assign buddy system for younger kids
  • Discuss plans without creating fear

Cognitive & Developmental

  • Use visual aids and simple instructions
  • Practice routines repeatedly for familiarity
  • Medical alert bracelets with key info
  • Assign dedicated helpers for evacuation
  • Pack sensory comfort items in go-bag
  • Notify first responders of specific needs

Special Needs Information for First Responders

If you or a family member has special needs that first responders should be aware of, contact Baldwin Fire Rescue at (412) 881-9704. We can note important information about your household for our dispatchers to reference in an emergency.

Emergency Supply Kit

An emergency supply kit contains essential items your family needs to survive for at least 72 hours (three days) without electricity, running water, or access to stores. Build kits for your home, vehicles, and workplace.

Basic Emergency Supplies (Everyone Needs)

Water

  • 1 gallon per person per day
  • 3-day supply minimum
  • 2-week supply recommended
  • Rotate every 6-12 months
  • Water purification tablets backup

Food

  • Non-perishable, no-cook preferred
  • 3-day min, 2-week recommended
  • Canned goods, bars, dried fruit, nuts
  • Baby formula, pet food if needed
  • Manual can opener and utensils

First Aid Kit

  • Bandages, gauze, adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wipes and ointment
  • Scissors, tweezers, thermometer
  • Pain relievers, antacids
  • Prescription meds (2-week supply)

Lighting & Power

  • Flashlights (one per person)
  • Extra batteries, all sizes
  • Hand-crank or battery radio
  • Phone chargers and power bank
  • Matches in waterproof container

Hygiene & Sanitation

  • Toilet paper, paper towels
  • Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes
  • Toothbrush, soap, shampoo
  • Feminine products, diapers if needed
  • Heavy-duty trash bags

Tools & Supplies

  • Multi-tool or knife
  • Wrench/pliers for utility shutoff
  • Duct tape, plastic sheeting
  • Whistle, work gloves
  • Fire extinguisher, local maps

Clothing & Bedding

  • Change of clothes per person
  • Sturdy shoes or boots
  • Rain gear, warm layers
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Emergency space blankets

Important Documents

  • Insurance policies (all types)
  • Medical records, prescriptions
  • IDs, bank info, credit cards
  • Proof of address, contacts list
  • Store in waterproof container

Money & Communication

  • Cash in small bills ($500-1,000)
  • Written emergency contact list
  • Prepaid calling card
  • Paper maps of local area
  • Coins for vending/parking

Additional Supplies for Specific Needs

Infants & Young Children

  • Formula, bottles, baby food
  • Diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
  • Comfort items (pacifiers, favorite toy)
  • Age-appropriate activities/books
  • Medications (fever reducer, etc.)

Elderly Family Members

  • Extra eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries
  • List of medications and dosages
  • Medical equipment and supplies
  • Denture needs
  • Mobility device batteries

Pets

  • Food and water (3-day supply minimum)
  • Medications and medical records
  • Pet carriers and leashes
  • Litter box and litter (cats)
  • Current photos and vaccination records
  • Pet first aid supplies

Entertainment & Comfort

  • Books, magazines, games
  • Playing cards, board games
  • Coloring books and crayons (children)
  • Portable music player
  • Comfort items (photos, religious materials)

Vehicle Emergency Kit

  • Jumper cables and basic tools
  • Blankets, warm clothing
  • Water and non-perishable snacks
  • Flashlight and flares/reflectors
  • Ice scraper, shovel, sand/salt (winter)

Workplace Kit

  • Walking shoes (if you commute in dress shoes)
  • Water and snacks for 24 hours
  • Flashlight and small first aid kit
  • Prescription medication (1-day supply)
  • Phone charger and emergency contacts

Kit Storage & Maintenance

Kit Storage Tips

  • Accessible Location: Store kits where you can grab them quickly if evacuating
  • Waterproof Containers: Use plastic bins or waterproof bags to protect supplies
  • Multiple Locations: Keep kits at home, in vehicles, and at workplace
  • Family Awareness: Make sure all family members know where kits are stored
  • Regular Checks: Review kits twice yearly (daylight saving time changes are good reminders)
  • Expiration Dates: Check food, water, medications, and batteries; replace as needed
  • Update for Changes: Adjust kits when family needs change (new baby, new medications, etc.)

Weather Emergencies in Pennsylvania

Baldwin Borough and southwestern Pennsylvania can experience various severe weather emergencies. Understanding these hazards and how to prepare for them is essential.

Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes

Before the Storm

  • Monitor weather forecasts and warnings
  • Identify safe room (basement or interior room)
  • Trim trees and secure outdoor items
  • Charge devices, ready flashlights and radio
  • Know difference between watch and warning

During the Storm

  • Go to safe room immediately when warned
  • Stay away from windows and glass
  • Get under sturdy furniture if possible
  • Avoid electrical equipment and plumbing
  • In vehicle: seek shelter, don’t outrun tornado

After the Storm

  • Check for injuries and provide first aid
  • Avoid damaged buildings
  • Stay away from downed power lines
  • Document damage for insurance claims
  • Listen for emergency info and instructions

Winter Weather

Winter Storm Preparedness

  • Home Heating: Have furnace serviced annually; stock alternate heating fuel; know how to shut off water to prevent frozen pipes
  • Vehicle Preparedness: Winter tires, emergency kit in car (blankets, food, water, shovel, salt/sand, jumper cables)
  • Power Outages: Prepare for extended outages; have generator or alternate heating plan; never use generators indoors
  • Frozen Pipes: Know how to thaw pipes safely; insulate exposed pipes; let faucets drip in extreme cold
  • Carbon Monoxide: Never use gas stoves, camp stoves, or grills for heating; ensure CO detectors are working
  • Snow Removal: Keep walkways clear; shovel safely (don’t overexert); help elderly neighbors

Flooding

Flood Safety Rules

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never drive through flooded roads – just 6 inches of water can stall vehicles
  • Evacuate if Warned: If authorities say evacuate, do so immediately
  • Move to Higher Ground: If flooding threatens, move to higher floors or higher ground
  • Avoid Floodwaters: Don’t walk through moving water – 6 inches can knock you down
  • Electrical Hazards: Stay away from downed power lines; don’t touch electrical equipment if wet
  • Contaminated Water: Treat floodwater as contaminated; wash hands thoroughly after contact
  • Return Safely: Don’t return home until authorities say it’s safe

Extreme Heat

Heat Emergency Safety

  • Stay Cool: Remain in air conditioning when possible; visit cooling centers if home lacks AC
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Reduce Activity: Limit strenuous outdoor activities to morning/evening
  • Check on Others: Look in on elderly neighbors and those without air conditioning
  • Know Warning Signs: Heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, nausea) and heat stroke (high temperature, confusion, unconsciousness)
  • Never Leave Children/Pets in Vehicles: Temperatures inside cars can quickly become deadly

Evacuation Planning

Some emergencies may require you to evacuate your home quickly. Having an evacuation plan and go-bag ready ensures you can leave safely and efficiently.

Evacuation Routes

  1. Know Multiple Routes: Identify several ways to leave your neighborhood in case primary routes are blocked
  2. Practice Routes: Drive evacuation routes so you’re familiar with them before an emergency
  3. Have Maps: Keep paper maps; GPS and phones may not work during large emergencies
  4. Know Destinations: Identify where you’ll go (relative’s home, hotel, evacuation shelter)
  5. Plan for Pets: Know which hotels/shelters accept pets; have backup plans

Go-Bag / Evacuation Kit

Keep a ready-to-go bag packed with essentials so you can evacuate immediately if needed:

  • ☐ 3-day supply of water and non-perishable food
  • ☐ Critical medications (2-week supply)
  • ☐ Change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each person
  • ☐ Flashlight and extra batteries
  • ☐ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • ☐ Phone chargers and portable power bank
  • ☐ Cash and credit cards
  • ☐ Important documents (copies)
  • ☐ First aid kit and personal hygiene items
  • ☐ Copies of house and car keys
  • ☐ Photos of family members and pets (for reunification)
  • ☐ Emergency contact information
  • ☐ Pet supplies if evacuating with animals

When Ordered to Evacuate

Evacuation Procedures

  1. Evacuate Immediately: Don’t wait; officials order evacuations for good reason
  2. Follow Designated Routes: Use evacuation routes specified by authorities
  3. Bring Go-Bag: Grab your pre-packed evacuation kit
  4. Secure Home: Lock doors and windows, unplug appliances, shut off utilities if instructed
  5. Leave Note: Post note visible from outside stating when you left and where you’re going
  6. Take Pets: Don’t leave pets behind if at all possible
  7. Help Neighbors: Check on elderly neighbors; offer rides if safe to do so
  8. Check In: Contact your out-of-area emergency contact once safe
  9. Monitor Information: Listen to radio/TV for updates and when you can return

Staying Informed

Receiving timely emergency information and alerts can save lives. Sign up for multiple alert systems and know where to get official information.

Emergency Alert Systems

Allegheny County Alert System

Sign up to receive emergency notifications via:

  • Text messages
  • Email
  • Phone calls
  • Mobile app notifications

Wireless Emergency Alerts

WEA sends text-like messages to cell phones in affected areas for:

  • Extreme weather warnings
  • AMBER Alerts
  • Presidential Alerts
  • Imminent threat alerts

WEA is automatic on most phones; check your phone settings to ensure it’s enabled.

NOAA Weather Radio

Weather radios receive broadcasts from National Weather Service about:

  • Severe weather warnings
  • Watches and advisories
  • Other hazards
  • Post-event information

Recommended: Purchase weather radio with battery backup and SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) to receive only alerts for your county.

Local News & Social Media

Follow local emergency management and fire/police on social media:

  • Baldwin Fire Rescue social media
  • Allegheny County Emergency Services
  • Local news stations
  • National Weather Service Pittsburgh

Smartphone Apps

Download these free apps before an emergency:

  • FEMA app (alerts, shelters, tips)
  • Red Cross Emergency app
  • Weather apps with push notifications
  • Offline maps (Google Maps downloads)

When Alerts Fail

Have backup information sources for when technology fails:

  • Battery/crank NOAA weather radio
  • Know your local siren system
  • Neighbor communication network
  • AM/FM radio for emergency broadcasts

After an Emergency

The emergency may be over, but recovery requires careful attention to safety and health hazards.

Returning Home After Evacuation

  • Wait for All-Clear: Only return when officials say it’s safe
  • Approach Cautiously: Watch for hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, structural damage
  • Check for Damage: Inspect utilities and structure before entering
  • Document Damage: Take photos/video for insurance before cleanup
  • Ventilate: Open windows if building has been closed up
  • Check Food/Water: Discard food that may have spoiled; check water safety
  • Watch for Hazards: Animals, insects, mold, contaminated water

Dealing with Utility Damage

Utility Safety After Disasters

  • Electrical: If you smell gas or suspect damage, don’t touch switches or appliances. Call utility company to restore power; don’t attempt yourself.
  • Gas: If you smell gas or hear hissing, evacuate immediately and call gas company from safe location. Don’t use matches, lighters, or operate switches.
  • Water: If water pipes are damaged, shut off main water valve. Don’t use water until declared safe by authorities. Purify water if necessary.
  • Sewage: If sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and drains until repaired.

Emotional Recovery

Don’t neglect emotional and mental health after emergencies:

  • Expect Stress Reactions: Anxiety, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating are normal after traumatic events
  • Take Care of Yourself: Rest, eat well, exercise, avoid excessive alcohol/drugs
  • Talk About It: Share feelings with family, friends, or counselors
  • Help Children Cope: Provide extra attention, maintain routines, be honest but reassuring
  • Seek Professional Help: If symptoms persist or worsen, contact mental health professionals
  • Support Each Other: Help neighbors and community members; recovery is easier together

Emergency Preparedness Resources

Baldwin Fire Rescue is committed to helping our community prepare for emergencies. We offer education programs, information, and assistance with emergency planning.

Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Prepare today.