Three Pa. Cities Make Top 100 Safest From Natural Disasters

Pittsburgh was named the eighth safest city from natural disasters in a study of 477 of the biggest U.S. cities, completed by Home Gnome. 

The study compared cities across five categories: hazard risk, vulnerable populations, vulnerable infrastructure, response and recovery and evacuation transport. 

Pittsburgh had an overall total score of 49.29, compared to the safest city, Lynchburg, Virginia, at 53.82. Notably, Pittsburgh scored relatively high in three categories across the board. 

The City of Bridges ranked fourth in the response and recovery category, which compared factors including each city’s number of hospital beds, EMTs, fire stations, hospitals and urgent care clinics. 

It ranked 36th in the evacuation transport category, which looked at each city’s number of airports, heliports, marinas and ports. 

Lastly, Pittsburgh ranked 57th in hazard risks, the category measuring natural hazard risks, population density and estimated share of adults who believe in climate change. 

Another city in Pennsylvania made the list as well. At No. 21, Erie’s overall score was 46.70, ranking an impressive eighth place in response and recovery and 18th place in hazard risks. 

Rounding out the top 100, Allentown ranked No. 91 overall with a score of 42.22 and No. 6 in response and recovery. 

Although some cities may be at less risk of natural disasters than others, nearly half of all U.S. homes are threatened by climate risks. Pennsylvania is especially at risk of hurricanes, storms, flooding, winter storms and rising temperatures. To prepare for emergencies at home, check out this list of five tips.