This September, the City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), in partnership with its federal partner, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), encourages residents to discuss emergency preparedness in recognition of National Preparedness Month. First observed in 2004, National Preparedness Month serves as an annual reminder that preparing for emergencies and disasters can ensure the safety of families, friends, and communities.
In 2024, residents are asked to “Start a Conversation” about potential regional emergencies or threats and the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families. The initiative emphasizes planning during calm periods to allow thorough preparation. Key suggestions include:
– Set aside time when everyone is calm and relaxed.
– If necessary, hold discussions over a set period so decisions are not rushed.
– Share steps taken for preparedness and encourage questions about suitable actions.
“Having conversations now about what to keep in a kit, where to meet if you and your family are separated, or who to have as an out-of-the-area contact in the event of a regional emergency, and then practicing those plans will greatly help you navigate emergencies when they happen,” says Sarah Russell, Commissioner for the City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency.
Making a plan through these conversations is the first of three easy steps to being prepared for an emergency. The second step involves building a kit with essentials such as food, water, medications, batteries, and flashlights for sheltering in place. The final step is staying informed via local radio stations, NOAA weather radios for updates or mobile apps like FEMA’s app or NotifySTL.
Earlier this year, CEMA released multi-lingual Public Service Announcements encouraging residents to sign up for NotifySTL. This system alerts residents to threats including severe storms and heat advisories. These videos are available on CEMA’s website and YouTube Channel.
