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Pittsburgh City Council

City, County officials outline emergency response gaps.

Written by Amy Whipple

  • Councilmembers Kail-Smith, Strassburger and Charland expressed frustration during the same Post Agenda that Council wasn’t kept informed of what was happening after the April 29 storm, nor were they given a specific point person to contact.
  • Councilmember Strassburger suggested the possibility of having a designated Council member who would receive and share information in an emergency.
  • There is a voluntary, one-day training available for elected and appointed officials to give them foundational knowledge in emergency protocols.
  • Chief Jones said that, historically, Council members have—at best—sent an intern to the training. He added that the current City administration is the first to participate in Jones’s 18 years working for the City.
  • Changes, needs and next steps:
  • Planner Hausman said the City has doubled its supply of the “grab and go” oxygen cylinders that do not require electricity to function.
  • A top priority is making sure all fire, EMS and police stations have generators as well as other facilities used in emergencies such as rec centers.
  • Furthering community relationships so that vulnerable residents know how to access assistance, such as for food. (The Department of Sustainability and Resilience)
  • Chief Jones acknowledged the need for social media and text updates to include languages other than English.
  • Chiefs Brown and Jones and Assistant Director Marion relayed actions the public can do to increase their safety:
  • Pay attention to the weather forecast and turn on alert notifications on your devices.
  • Make plans for if you lose power and/or cell service.
  • Have 72 hours of medicine, oxygen, non-perishable food and water on hand.
  • Keep medical equipment, such as oxygen generators, as well as phoness charged.
  • Consider participating in Community Emergency Response Team training.
  • Know who your vulnerable neighbors are and check on them in the event of an emergency.

Connections to this story

Topics:
Public Safety & EMS
Governments:
Pittsburgh City Council
Public meetings:
City Council · July 28, 2025

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