Summer 2025 for Pittsburgh has been the hottest and most humid in over 90 years, bringing severe storms, flash floods, and heightened fire risk. So if you’re looking to minimize damage to your property, an immediate and accurate response to such catastrophes is really important.
Americon Restoration offers emergency disaster restoration Pittsburgh services with a strong local presence and the trust of hundreds of clients. Learn from experts what you should do after a disaster.
What Steps Should You Take Immediately After a Disaster
Follow these steps immediately after a disaster:
- Ensure your safety
- Contact your local emergency management agency (if needed)
- Secure your property
- Call emergency restoration services Pittsburgh
- Document the damage
Whether your property has been hit by a storm, affected by mold growth, or damaged by fire, the first 24 hours are very important and you must take immediate action. Companies like BELfor Property Restoration handle these challenges regularly, but the key is to act quickly no matter who you call.
Let’s talk about the above-mentioned steps in detail.
1. Ensure Your Safety
No matter what happens, your safety should be your first priority in such disastrous situations. Evacuate the property if it’s unsafe and make sure to find yourself some temporary living space until your house is livable again.
For instance, in situations where the infrastructure of the property has been damaged by fire or the mold has grown to an unhealthy level due to moisture presence. Also, make sure not to enter a property with standing water or damaged electrical systems.
2. Contact Your Local Emergency Management Agency (if needed)
Contact the City of Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) for any safety risk. Or call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
But avoid using the phone (unless necessary) to report a disaster, if a large number of homes in your area have been affected. Emergency responders need access to the telephone lines to plan their responses. Instead, use the radio service to listen to the instructions of the officials.
3. Secure Your Property
If you’re not moving out and sheltering in place, make sure to secure your property and prevent further damage. For instance, turn off the water supply after a burst pipe or board up broken windows after a storm.
Moreover, if there’s roof damage from fire, make sure to cover it with a tarp to keep out the elements and protect your property from unauthorized entry.
4. Call Emergency Restoration Services Pittsburgh
Act fast and contact a certified restoration company, like Americon Restoration’s IICRC-certified team. We’re available 24/7 and offer different disaster restoration services, from storm damage and flooding to fires caused by gas leaks, cooking accidents, electrical issues, or even wildfires. So whether it’s fire and smoke cleanup Pittsburgh, PA, or you need roofing repair after storm damage, we can handle all.
Plus, we serve both residential and commercial damage restoration needs with hundreds of positive client reviews online.
5. Document the Damage
Either do it yourself or let your disaster restoration Pittsburgh team do it for you. But document the damage before you start any cleaning process. This is very important for any insurance claims later.
Make sure to take detailed photos and videos of the property. Americon Restoration offers complete insurance claim assistance, from adjuster communication to negotiations with your insurer. We get paid after your insurer releases the money. So you can have both, peace of mind and a restored property.
What are the Local Climate Risks in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has a unique location and geography with three rivers, a hilly terrain, and many microclimates, leading to varying weather conditions just a few miles apart. So it has a climate with multiple challenges. For instance:
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Spring and early summer months in Pittsburgh are the wettest and the most humid. June has the highest precipitation level (4.12 inches normal) and it rains the most in this month. So the low-lying areas of the city and the basements are most prone to flash flooding during this season.
Your property can suffer through frequent showers and thunderstorms. Companies like BELFOR Property Restoration offer emergency disaster restoration Pittsburgh services, but it is critical to act quickly, no matter who you call.
Cold Winters
Compared to the summers, winters are relatively dry, cold, and snowy in Pittsburgh with January being the coldest month of the year. The temperature can fall well below freezing (-18 °C or lower), causing pipe bursts, water damage, and ice dams on the roof.
Furthermore, snowstorms lead to roof damage, basement flooding, power outages, and structural weakening in Pittsburgh properties.
Severe Thunderstorms
The city can experience severe thunderstorms especially from November to April, causing damage to the roofs, siding, and windows. All thanks to the city’s location within the Appalachia region, which influences the wind patterns.
And in such a critical situation when there’s a safety risk, you will definitely need the emergency restoration services Pittsburgh. Americon Restoration has a dedicated team that strictly adheres to OSHA and EPA protocols to handle these challenges. We’re a decade-old family business, passed down through generations.
High Humidity in Summers
As per the local sources, Pittsburgh is the most humid during the summer, specifically from March to August. Thanks to its hot climate, which leads to higher dew points (63°F) and, as a result, high humidity.
But this humidity affects Pittsburgh’s homes and buildings, contributing to mold growth, if immediate help from mold remediation experts Pittsburgh is not taken.
When Do You Need Expert Help?
According to the FEMA Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) Pocket Guide, 4 criteria for damage assessment of homes and property can help you determine when you should seek damage restoration.
According to this guide, there are four degrees of damage after a disaster:
- Affected: It’s when the damage is non-structural and you can still enter the property. For instance, damage to the siding or paint discoloration. Or in case of flood damage, when essential living spaces are not damaged or submerged.
In such situations, the property owner can most probably handle the repairs on his own, and water damage restoration Pittsburgh services are not required.
- Minor: A damage is minor when it’s non-structural and repairable. For instance, minor damage to the roof shingles or to the drywall. Moreover, flood damage is also minor when the waterline is below the electrical outlets.
And as per the FEMA PDA Pocket Guide, homeowners do not need expert assistance for minor damage.
- Major: Any structural damage or damage that requires extensive repair is considered major, and you need biohazard cleanup services Pittsburgh for that. For instance, you need expert assistance when there’s damage to the roof framing, smoke infiltration throughout the property, or when the waterline has crossed electrical outlets.
BELfor Property Restoration and other local providers in Pittsburgh offer these services. Just make sure you hire a trustworthy, professional, and compassionate team, no matter who you call.
- Destroyed: Lastly, a property is considered destroyed when its structural integrity has collapsed and it’s unlivable by the residents. For instance, when the waterline has reached the ceiling or the structural framing of a roof or wall has been compromised.
Such properties should only be handled by restoration experts, like Americon Restoration. Our team is very professional, polite, and compassionate, helping you recover from the disaster while being sensitive about the damage.
We also offer crime scene and trauma cleanup Pittsburgh services with technicians assessed for criminal background and MVR reports. And we put them on 3-month trials before getting them on board to assist our clients.
Note: For further details on these damage categories, check the FEMA PDA Guide.
Let’s Bring Your Property Back to Life WIth Americon Restoration:
If you want someone to take care of all kinds of restoration works for your commercial and residential properties, Americon is the best option with dedicated teams for different types of cleaning, board-ups, roof repairs, and structural restorations.
You can get started today by talking to one of our support specialists at +1 412-638-6065. Let’s know what’s happening and we’ll be there in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who are the trusted experts for disaster restoration and roofing repair in Pittsburgh?
Trusted experts for disaster restoration and roofing repair in Pittsburgh are licensed local companies specializing in storm, fire, and water recovery. These professionals provide roof repair, structural restoration, and emergency services while maintaining strong reputations for reliability and quality.
How quickly can Pittsburgh restoration and roofing companies respond after a storm or fire?
Pittsburgh restoration and roofing companies can typically respond within 1–2 hours after a storm or fire. Many operate 24/7 to provide emergency board-up, roof tarping, and water removal to protect properties from further damage.
What types of roofing repairs do Pittsburgh disaster restoration companies offer?
Pittsburgh disaster restoration companies offer roofing repairs such as shingle replacement, leak repair, storm damage restoration, roof tarping, and structural reinforcement. These services restore roof integrity and protect homes and businesses from ongoing water or wind damage.
Are local Pittsburgh restoration and roofing experts licensed and insured?
Yes, local Pittsburgh restoration and roofing experts are licensed and insured. Licensing confirms compliance with state regulations, while insurance protects homeowners against liability, accidents, and incomplete work during restoration or roof repair projects.
How do restoration and roofing professionals in Pittsburgh handle insurance claims for disaster damage?
Restoration and roofing professionals in Pittsburgh handle insurance claims by documenting damage, creating repair estimates, and communicating directly with insurers. This coordination ensures faster approvals, accurate coverage, and less stress for homeowners recovering from disaster damage.
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