Western PA Search and Rescue Development Center

06/22/2026

⛈️⚡ Lightning Safety Awareness Week ⚡⛈️

Did you know that lightning can strike up to **10 miles away from a storm**? If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck by lightning.

🌩️ When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! 🌩️

Stay safe during thunderstorms by following these tips:

✅ Seek shelter inside a sturdy building or vehicle.
✅ Avoid open fields, hilltops, and bodies of water.
✅ Stay away from trees, metal fences, and outdoor equipment.
✅ Avoid using corded electronics and plumbing during a storm.
✅ Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before returning outside.

Whether you're walking your dog, exercising, working outdoors, or enjoying time with family, taking a few simple precautions can save lives.

🐾 Don't forget your pets! Bring them indoors during thunderstorms and make sure they have a safe, comfortable place to wait out the storm.

💙 Safety starts with awareness. Share this post to help keep our community safe this summer!

06/22/2026

🚨 Motivational Monday 🚨

Every act of kindness creates a ripple.

A donated bag of pet food.
A volunteer's time.
A care package handed to someone in need.
A conversation that reminds someone they are not alone.

You may never see the full impact of your actions, but that doesn't mean it isn't changing lives.

This week, choose to be someone's reason to keep going.

💙 Together, we strengthen our communities.
🐾 Together, we help people and pets.
🤝 Together, we make a difference.

✨ What's one small act of kindness you plan to do this week? Share it in the comments!

06/08/2026

🎉🚨 THE MOMENT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! 🚨🎉

Our raffle basket winners have officially been selected! 🎟️✨

Could one of those amazing baskets be headed your way? There's only one way to find out...

📧 CHECK YOUR EMAIL!

If your lucky ticket was drawn, you'll be receiving an email with all the details. Be sure to check your inbox (and maybe that pesky spam folder too 👀).

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who purchased tickets, shared our fundraiser, and supported the Pawsitively Pet Pantry. Because of you, we're able to help even more pets and families in need. ❤️🐾

Now excuse us while we impatiently wait for winners to discover they've won... because someone has to win, and it just might be YOU! 🎉🍀

06/04/2026

🎁 These baskets are running out of time... and so are you! ⏰

Tomorrow is the final day to get your tickets for the Pawsitively Pet Pantry Gift Basket Raffle.

After that, the winners will be drawn and these baskets will belong to someone else!

🎟️ Tickets are just $1 each:
www.go.rallyup.com/wpsardcpetpantry
Don't be the person saying, "I meant to buy tickets..." after the drawing is over. 😄

Get yours today and help support pets and families in our community! 🐾❤️

06/03/2026

🏃‍♀️🚴 Today is World Running Day AND World Bicycle Day! 🚴🏃‍♂️

Some people run.
Some people ride.
Some people do both.

And then there are the folks who add swimming and become triathletes. 🏊

👇 Where are you running or biking today in the Pittsburgh area?

Share your favorite parks, trails, roads, or hidden gems. You might just give someone a new place to explore.

From the Great Allegheny Passage to North Park, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, and beyond, there's no shortage of places to enjoy Western Pennsylvania!

06/03/2026

📬 The June Newsletter has landed!

Inside you'll find updates on our **past, present, and future activities**, including outreach efforts, programs, events, and more.

Didn't receive it?

📩 Send us a Facebook message with your email address and we'll add you to the list!

06/03/2026

💙 Human trafficking doesn't just happen somewhere else.

It happens in cities, suburbs, and communities across the country—including right here in Western Pennsylvania.

The good news? Awareness matters.

The more people understand the signs, the myths, and how trafficking actually happens, the better equipped our communities are to recognize concerns and help protect those who may be vulnerable.

That's why we're encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to learn more through the free OnWatch™ training.

🔹 Learn
🔹 Stay informed
🔹 Help protect your community

🌐 www.iamonwatch.org

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against human trafficking.

Learn to recognize the signs of s*x trafficking.

06/02/2026

💚 PTSD doesn't always look the way people think it does.

Sometimes it looks like a veteran.
Sometimes it looks like a first responder.
Sometimes it looks like a neighbor, coworker, friend, or family member.

Here in the Pittsburgh area, thousands of individuals live with the effects of trauma every day. Many are working, raising families, volunteering in their communities, and doing their best while carrying burdens that others may never see.

This PTSD Awareness Month, let's remember that compassion matters.

A little patience.
A little understanding.
A simple "How are you doing?" can go a long way.

💚 See the person.
💚 Hear the story.
💚 Lead with compassion.

Together, we can help create a community where no one feels they have to face their struggles alone.

06/02/2026

🧺 We have had so much fun putting together this year's raffle baskets!

From pet lovers to coffee lovers and everything in between, there's a little something for everyone.

The best part? Every basket helps support the programs and services that WPSARDC provides throughout our community.

Take a look at the baskets and let us know...

👇 Which one would you be excited to win?

🎟️ go.rallyup.com/wpsardcpetpantry

06/01/2026

🎁 ONE WEEK LEFT! 🎁

In just a few days, these baskets will belong to someone else.

We've got coffee baskets, bourbon baskets, wine baskets, horse-themed baskets, pet baskets, and more—and for $1, you have a chance to win one while supporting WPSARDC programs that help people and pets in our communities.

I know how this goes...

You see the post.
You tell yourself you'll get tickets later.
Then June 5th shows up and you're looking at the winning photos thinking, "Well, darn it." 😂

Don't let that be you.

🎟️ Tickets: https://go.rallyup.com/wpsardcpetpantry

And please share this post! The more people who see it, the more support we can provide through our programs.

Good luck, everyone! ❤️