Storm Recovery Resources & Support

Neighbors & Friends,

My heart is with every one of you still reeling from the devastating storms that tore through our communities this week. So many of our neighbors across Allegheny County and Westmoreland County are still without power, and reports indicate this may last several more days.

But as always in PA-12, when the going gets tough, our people come together. I am deeply grateful to our first responders, emergency workers, and the crews out there working nonstop to restore power. To every neighbor who’s opened their home, offered a meal, or shared a charger — thank you. We see you, and we appreciate you. 

In the meantime, my team and I are working around the clock to connect you with  resources and support. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Power Outage Info: What To Do

If your power is out, do not call 911. Instead, report outages directly to your provider:

  • Duquesne Light – Call 1-888-393-7000

  • FirstEnergy / Penn Power – Call 1-888-544-4877

Crews from as far as Indiana and Philadelphia are in town helping — and while restoration might seem slow, help is on the way.

Hot Meals, Water & Supplies

The Salvation Army of Western PA has boots on the ground in Munhall, Braddock, and East Pittsburgh, already serving:

  • Over 600 bottles of water

  • 375 snacks, 100 hot meals

  • 25 cleanup kits and 15 hygiene kits

If you or someone you know needs support, call the Salvation Army Helpline: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)

Need a Place to Charge or Cool Down?

The City of Pittsburgh has expanded the hours of operation at many Health and Active Living locations, with many staying open until 10PM. Find a list of centers below:

  • Brighton Heights HAL Senior Center
    • 1555 Broadway Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15216
  • Greenfield HAL Senior Center
    • 745 Greenfield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217
  • Hazelwood HAL Senior Center
    • 5344 Second Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15207
  • Homewood HAL Senior Center
    • 7321 Frankstown Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208
  • Lawrenceville HAL Senior Center
    • 4600 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201
  • Sheraden HAL Senior Center
    • 720 Sherwood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15204
  • South Side HAL Senior Center
    • 12th & Bingham Sts., Pittsburgh, PA 15203
  • West End HAL Senior Center
    • 80 Wabash St., Pittsburgh, PA 15220
  • Brookline Rec Center (9 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
    • 1400 Oakridge Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
  • Ammon Rec Center (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
    • 2217 Bedford Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
  • Jefferson Rec Center (9 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
    • 605 Redknap St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212
  • Magee Rec Center (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
    • 745 Greenfield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217
  • West Penn Rec Center (9 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
    • 450 30th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
  • Warrington Rec Center (9 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
    • 329 E. Warrington Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15210
  • Paulson Rec Center (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
    • 1201 Paulson Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
  • Ormsby Rec Center (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
    • 79 South 22nd Street., Pittsburgh, PA 15203

These community centers and businesses outside of Pittsburgh have opened their doors to help our neighbors stay connected and safe:

  • Dormont Public Library
    •  2950 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
  • Rivers Edge Volunteer Fire Department – Braddock
    •  1100 Braddock Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104
  • Plum Borough Municipal Building
    • 2000 Mike Thomas Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15239
  • Sharpsburg Borough Building
    • 1611 Main Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
  • Verona Municipal Building
    • 736 East Railroad Avenue, Verona, PA 15147
  • Forest Hills Borough Building
    • 4400 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
  • Boiling Springs Presbyterian Church – Kiski
    • 1668 PA-56, Spring Church, PA 15686
  • South Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department – Freeport
    • 100 Fire Hall Road, Freeport, PA 16229
  • University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center – Homewood
    • 622 North Homewood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
  • Fresh Nutrition – Penn Hills
    • 28 Federal Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

SNAP Recipients: You May Qualify for Replacement Benefits

If you lost food during the outage and paid with SNAP, you can apply for replacement SNAP benefits — but you must act within 10 days of the disaster.

  • Fill out the SNAP Replacement Form

  • Call your local County Assistance Office or the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930

Let’s make sure you and your family can restock your fridge when the lights come back on.

Stay Safe During the Outage

We know how stressful and even dangerous power outages can be — especially when they last for days. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors safe:

During the Outage

  • Stay informed. Keep up with local weather reports and emergency alerts via phone, radio, or TV. If possible, sign up for local emergency notification systems to get texts or calls with important updates.

  • Reach out to your support network. Check on loved ones and let them know you’re okay. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or offer it if you’re able.

  • Keep food cold — and when in doubt, throw it out.

    • Try not to open the fridge or freezer. An unopened fridge will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer can hold temperature for up to 48 hours (24 hours if only half full).

    • Use coolers with ice if needed, and use a thermometer to check food. If it’s been above 40°F, it’s safest to toss it.

  • Unplug and power down.

    • To prevent surges when power returns, unplug electronics and appliances.

    • Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.

    • Only turn off your utilities if you suspect damage or are told to by officials — and only a professional should turn your gas line back on.

  • Be careful with heat and power sources.

    • Never use an outdoor grill indoors for cooking.

    • If using a generator, place it outside, away from windows, in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Know when to stay or go.

    • If your home becomes too hot or unsafe — or if you rely on medical equipment that needs electricity — seek out cooling centers and public charging stations.

⚠️ After the Power Comes Back

  • Stay clear of power lines.
     If you see downed lines, stay at least 35 feet away.

  • Watch for water damage.
     Don’t enter flooded areas or use electronics that were submerged. Have an electrician inspect your system if needed.

  • Toss unsafe food.
     If food has been above 40°F — especially meat or dairy — don’t risk it. Also check with your provider about any medications that were refrigerated.

  • Keep generators and grills outdoors.
     Even after the lights come back on, carbon monoxide risks remain. Keep any gas-powered equipment at least 20 feet from your home and windows.

We’re Here For You

In these tough moments, we show up for each other. My office is committed to doing everything we can to support recovery and make sure no one gets left behind.

Please check on your neighbors, and if there’s something you need, reach out to our office. We’re with you every step of the way.

In support,
 Congresswoman Summer Lee