Pittsburgh-area road crews prepare for winter storm as Pennsylvania issues disaster declaration
Road crews across western Pennsylvania are preparing for a major winter storm.
It comes as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation of disaster emergency on Friday afternoon, making it easier to get funding and provide state agencies with the resources they need to help counties and municipalities.
Allegheny County prepares emergency response
Allegheny County Emergency Services officials say they've been planning and coordinating all week with 130 municipalities, public safety agencies and the National Weather Service.
At the same time, public works crews are staging resources on the ground, loading salt trucks so crews can respond quickly once snow begins to fall.
County leaders say having trucks pre-loaded and ready is critical because once snowfall intensifies, conditions can deteriorate quickly, especially for drivers and vulnerable residents.
That's why the county has also activated shelter options for families and individuals, including locations that allow pets, and increased staffing at the 911 center, anticipating higher call volumes.
"We began monitoring this over a week ago," said Emergency Services Chief Matthew Brown. "Our messaging to public safety will be ongoing throughout as we continue to get our updates."
Officials are urging residents to be prepared to stay home for up to 72 hours, stock food and medications and check on neighbors who may need help.
They stress that 911 should be reserved for true emergencies; however, they won't turn anyone away. They add that planning ahead now could prevent dangerous situations later.
How many plows will be on the road in Pittsburgh?
The City of Pittsburgh said it's preparing to take on the storm. Mayor Corey O'Connor said this weekend is an all-hands-on-deck scenario. The city currently has roughly 8,000 tons of salt with more on the way.
As the snow falls, the mayor said that every city department will be involved. That includes public works, environmental services and forestry, which will all be on duty. Plows will be put on any city vehicle that can carry them.
"Our vehicle count right now, we have 75 DPW trucks with plows and salt spreaders, we also have 19 DPW [vehicles] with a plow or with salt spreaders," he explained. "Tomorrow, environmental services will put plows on their trucks, our forestry division will be on hand if trees were to fall on roads or hanging wires."
Pittsburgh Public Safety is asking people not to park on the streets to help crews clear the snow.
If you have a question about street services, call 311, and call 911 if it is a medical emergency. As for PennDOT, people can track their plows here.
Pittsburgh's Snow Angels program
O'Connor said the city has what it needs and plans to bring back some programs that went dormant over the past few years.
One of the programs O'Connor said would be getting reactivated is the Snow Angels program, which helps people get their walkways and steps cleared. The city said it does not have enough volunteers for the program, which serves those over 62 and people with disabilities
"We're not always going to be able to get to everyone," said Corey Buckner, the supervisor of the city's Office of Community Affairs. "We need a lot more volunteers. There's a high demand."
As of Friday night, the city had about 150 volunteers, but the need remains.
"We cannot risk the lives of our residents in the city of Pittsburgh," Buckner said. "We have to make sure everybody is safe, and so this program provides that stability for the people that are in most need."
Buckner said the city prefers residents to have their own shovels and salt. There is no specific number of volunteers officials are looking for, Buckner added. Just as many as possible. Contact 311 to volunteer.
