Mayor Spencer Takes Action to Protect St. Louisans During Winter Weather
With the harsh winter weather approaching, Mayor Cara Spencer has issued Executive Order 93 to create a Winter Weather Unified Command and departmental response activation protocols. This order aims to ensure a coordinated and timely response to any significant winter weather events that may threaten public safety, critical infrastructure, or the continuity of City services.
“This winter is going to be extremely tough on our community, with many St. Louisans living in tents, cars, and unheated homes due to the aftermath of the May 16 tornado, in addition to our existing unhoused neighbors,” said Mayor Spencer. “By creating a unified command and activation protocols, we can formalize the City’s responsibilities and actions, providing clarity and direction for everyone involved in our winter response, not just this year but in the years to come.”
Winter Weather Unified Command
The Winter Weather Unified Command will be responsible for coordinating a response to extreme winter weather events, such as extreme cold, snowstorms, ice storms, and mixed-precipitation events. This unified command will be led by the City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) and will include various City departments, such as the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Street Department, Fire Department, and Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry.
The unified command will be activated when winter weather conditions reach or are forecasted to reach threshold conditions specified by the executive order. It will consolidate operational leadership, ensure unified awareness and consistent public messaging, preserve departmental autonomy, and provide the mayor and director of the Department of Public Safety with a single, coherent operational picture.
Departmental Response Activation Protocols
Executive Order 93 also formally establishes four departmental response activation protocols for the City of St. Louis. These protocols can be activated by the respective departments when necessary, and additional protocols may be developed by other City departments, agencies, and divisions as needed.
Department of Human Services – Code Blue Activation
The Code Blue Activation protocol will be activated to provide temporary shelter and related services to unhoused residents during extreme cold. This will involve coordinating with community organizations and other partners to open warming centers, expand shelter capacity, and increase outreach efforts.
Streets Department – Winter Snow Plan Activation
The Winter Snow Plan Activation protocol will be activated to manage snowfall, including pre-treating roads and clearing snow from roads. This will ensure safe and accessible roadways for residents and emergency services.
Department of Health – Extreme Temperature Response Plan Activation
The Extreme Temperature Response Plan Activation protocol will be activated to provide public health messaging and operational response to extreme cold temperatures. This will help protect the health and well-being of St. Louisans during harsh winter weather.
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry – Snow Call Activation
The Snow Call Activation protocol will be activated to clear snow from sidewalks and driveways for critical City buildings and other essential non-City-owned buildings. This will ensure safe and accessible pathways for residents and essential services.
Notably, a Code Blue activation will be made by CEMA in coordination and consultation with the Mayor’s Office when the following circumstances are met:
- The National Weather Service issues a wind chill warning for the City of St. Louis
- The National Weather Service issues a winter storm warning for the City of St. Louis
- The National Weather Service issues a winter weather advisory for the City of St. Louis with a forecasted wind chill of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower
- The National Weather Service issues a winter weather advisory for the City of St. Louis with a forecasted snow accumulation of 2 inches or more
