Show-Me State Times

The City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) has revealed plans to enhance the city's outdoor warning system with a substantial financial allocation of $3.9 million to replace and maintain the system. Commissioner of CEMA, Sarah Russell, emphasized the importance of reliability in the outdoor warning system, stating, "Ensuring the reliability of our outdoor warning system remains a top priority."

To address concerns of inconsistent testing, CEMA is actively seeking to improve the system's ability to provide comprehensive coverage for emergency notifications. The agency has initiated the acceptance of Request for Qualifications (RFQs) from potential contractors, with the process set to extend into 2025. Russell affirmed, "We are committed to addressing the reported issues and are working diligently to secure the necessary resources for this system."

In an effort to keep the public well-informed during hazardous situations, CEMA is urging residents, businesses, and visitors to register for the NotifySTL emergency alert system. Recently, NotifySTL has introduced Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi, Swahili, Bosnian, and Dari/Patscho to encourage individuals to sign up for the system. Gilberto Pinela, director of St. Louis City's Office of New Americans, highlighted the significance of language access for diverse communities, stating, "Our priority on language access is key for our linguistically diverse communities to thrive and know they belong here."

Residents are also advised to consider investing in a battery-powered National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio to stay informed about changing weather conditions in case of power outages.

For companies interested in submitting an RFQ, detailed information can be found on the city's Board of Public Service Website. Individuals who wish to sign up or modify their current method of receiving emergency notifications are encouraged to visit the city's NotifySTL website.