Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security – Pittsburgh, PA

Citywide Disaster Planning and Response

The City of Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (OEMHS) is the municipal agency charged with protecting the city’s residents, visitors, and infrastructure from all forms of disasters, whether natural, technological, or human-made. Located administratively within the City-County Building on Grant Street, OEMHS develops and maintains the city’s comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan. The office acts as the coordinating body between the Mayor’s Office, Public Safety departments (Police, Fire, EMS), and external state and federal partners during major crisis events, ensuring a unified command structure and efficient resource allocation.

Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation

A primary function of OEMHS is to prepare the city before disaster strikes. This involves rigorous Hazard Mitigation planning to identify risks such as flooding from the three rivers, landslides on Pittsburgh’s steep slopes, and potential hazardous material spills. The office conducts regular training exercises and drills with first responders to test response capabilities. They also manage the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which trains civilian volunteers in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and team organization, allowing them to assist their neighbors until professional help arrives.

Special Events and Public Safety

Pittsburgh hosts numerous high-profile events annually, including the Pittsburgh Marathon, Three Rivers Regatta, and professional sports games at Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park. OEMHS plays a critical role in the safety planning for these large gatherings. The office activates the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor crowds, weather conditions, and potential threats in real-time, facilitating rapid communication between police, medical teams, and event organizers. Their work ensures that the city’s celebrations remain safe environments for the public.

Recovery and Resilience

Following a disaster, OEMHS leads the recovery phase, working to restore essential services and assisting residents and businesses in accessing relief funds. They serve as the liaison with FEMA and PEMA for disaster declarations and grant funding. The office also promotes the ‘Ready Pittsburgh’ initiative, educating the public on how to build emergency kits, create family communication plans, and stay informed through the city’s alert systems. Through these comprehensive efforts, OEMHS fosters a resilient community capable of withstanding and recovering from adversity.