Most Likely Emergencies in Pennsylvania

Disasters and emergencies can't ever be predicted with 100% accuracy. But we do have a good idea about what's most likely to occur here in our commonwealth.

Bird's-eye view of a flood in Pennsylvania.

Overview

Pennsylvania's top three threats are flood, fire, and winter storms. Read on to learn what other emergencies are most likely in our commonwealth.

Water pools on a roadway.

1. Flood

Floods can happen anywhere and anytime, and they can come on quickly and without warning.

Firefighters battle a fire that is blazing through a red brick home.

2. Fire

Pennsylvania regularly leads the nation in structure fires. More people die in home fires than in any other location.

A snowy winter road in the woods.

3. Winter Storms

The National Weather Service calls winter storms "deceptive killers," because most threats are indirectly related to the storm. Here's what to know.

Lightning flashes across a purple and blue sky.

4. Severe Storms

Severe storms can cause flash flooding, lightning, tornadoes, strong winds, and hail. Simple steps can protect us from danger.

People walk down a street wearing medical masks.

5. Flu and Pandemic

As we learned during Covid, pandemics can cause mass illness and upset day-to-day life. Let's prepare the best we can.

A team wearing HAZMAT vests responds to an incident.

6. Hazardous Materials

We are at risk when chemicals are used unsafely or released in harmful amounts where we live, work or play.

A mother and daughter prepare for an earthquake by seeking protection under a sturdy table.

7. Earthquakes and Landslides

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause landslides.

Plumes of smoke from a nuclear power plant tower.

8. Nuclear Threats

Residents living within a 10-mile radius of Pennsylvania's three active nuclear power plants should be aware of evacuation routes and have emergency plans in place, just in case.

Water rushes from a dam in Pennsylvania.

9. Dam Failures

Dam failures can cause huge amounts of water to rush downstream with destructive force. 

Feet walking along a busy street.

10. Attacks in Public Places

We do everything we can to prevent attacks in public places. But if one does occur, here's what to know.

Also Be Ready For ...

Drought

Pennsylvania experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us during dry spells.

Drought

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of heat and humidity with temperatures higher than 90 degrees for at least two to three days.

Extreme Heat

Power Outages

Losing power is an inconvenience in some cases, and life-threatening in others. Let's prepare now so you don't have to worry.

Power Outages