Ready for what Pennsylvania actually throws at you.
Catastrophic river floods, nor'easters, tornadoes in the west, chemical and nuclear industrial risk, and mountain terrain that isolates communities for days.
About this guide
Pennsylvania stretches from the Delaware River to the Ohio border — nearly 300 miles of diverse geography that produces diverse hazards. The Susquehanna River watershed covers most of the state and has flooded catastrophically multiple times — Agnes (1972), Ivan (2004), and Lee (2011) each caused billions in damage across central PA. Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania face nor'easter snowstorms and hurricane remnant flooding. Western Pennsylvania's Pittsburgh metro sits in tornado country and hosts heavy industrial infrastructure. The central Appalachian ridges can trap and intensify rainfall into flash floods in narrow valleys. Three Mile Island (1979) remains the most significant US nuclear incident, and Pennsylvania still operates multiple nuclear plants.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Flooding, Nor'easters & Winter Storms, Tornadoes
PA has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 5a (northern PA mountains / Potter County) to 7a (Philadelphia / Delaware Valley)
Unemployment: up to $605 (actual deposit ~$585 after 3.2% solvency reduction)/week for 18–26 weeks (based on credit weeks)
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the PA risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours