This September, Prepare for Emergencies with CEMA and FEMA
In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) is teaming up with its federal partner, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to encourage residents to have important conversations about emergency preparedness. This annual reminder, first observed in 2004, emphasizes the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters to keep families, friends, and communities safe.
Start a Conversation About Emergency Preparedness
As we look ahead to 2024, CEMA and FEMA are asking residents to “Start a Conversation” about potential emergencies or threats that the region could face. This includes discussing necessary steps to protect themselves and their families. It’s important to have these conversations when there are no immediate threats, allowing time to build a plan at a comfortable pace. Some key reminders when choosing a time to talk include:
Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed.
If needed, hold discussions over a set time period to avoid rushed decisions.
Encourage questions and share preparedness actions that have worked for you.
Plan, Prepare, and Stay Informed
According to Sarah Russell, Commissioner for CEMA, “Having conversations now about emergency preparedness can greatly help you navigate emergencies when they happen.” This includes making a plan, which is the first of three easy steps to being prepared for an emergency. The second step is to build a kit with essential items such as food, water, medications, batteries, and flashlights in case you need to shelter in place. The final step is to stay informed, which can be done by listening to local radio stations, using a NOAA weather radio, or downloading mobile apps like the FEMA app or NotifySTL.
Sign Up for NotifySTL
Earlier this year, CEMA released multi-lingual Public Service Announcements urging residents to sign up for the City’s NotifySTL system. This system sends alerts about potential threats, including severe storms, heat advisories, and warnings. The videos can be found on CEMA’s website and YouTube channel. Don’t wait until an emergency strikes to start preparing. Take the time now to have important conversations and make a plan to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
