Pittsburgh Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 1,712,828 and a calculated risk score of 70.7, Pittsburgh faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Pittsburgh, PA. Calling Pittsburgh home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to landslides.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Pittsburgh sits at a Risk Score of 70.749. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Landslide and Tornado.
Top Hazards for The Pittsburgh Area
Meteorological data for Pennsylvania confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating landslides. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 97.3. Structural retrofitting for older homes can significantly mitigate the danger of landslides.
When analyzing the risk profile of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh's geography makes it particularly susceptible to tornado risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 89.8. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.
For residents of Pennsylvania, it is well known that local patterns show a recurring trend of winter weather activity. Moreover statistical analysis places this risk level at 89.8/100, requiring attention. For new residents, understanding the severity of winter weather in their specific zip code is vital.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Pittsburgh has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Pittsburgh? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Pittsburgh
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Pittsburgh. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Pittsburgh
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
The best insurance against Landslide is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 97.4 | Choosing between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia? Pittsburgh presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Allentown | 75.8 | Choosing between Pittsburgh and Allentown? Pittsburgh presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Harrisburg | 84.9 | Harrisburg and Pittsburgh share similar regional risks, but our data gives Pittsburgh the edge in overall safety. |
| Lancaster | 83.9 | Choosing between Pittsburgh and Lancaster? Pittsburgh presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Scranton | 68.9 | When compared to Scranton, Pittsburgh is slightly higher risk. The difference of 1.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Landslides in Pittsburgh?
With a risk score of 97.3 for Landslide, Pittsburgh is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Landslide events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Pittsburgh safer than other cities in Pennsylvania?
It varies by hazard. While Pittsburgh has its own risk profile (Total Score: 70.7), it is generally comparable to the average in Pennsylvania. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Pittsburgh given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 89.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Pittsburgh is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Pittsburgh compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?
See the full Pennsylvania Disaster Rankings to see how Pittsburgh stacks up against other cities in the state.