City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency Encourages Residents and Businesses to Take Action during National Preparedness Month, September 2020

Photo by ready.gov Source: ready.gov

September is National Preparedness Month, a month dedicated each year for local, state, and federal agencies to encourage all Americans to get their families ready in case their lives are impacted by an emergency or disaster. The City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) works all year to prepare the city for disasters, revising emergency operations plans, working with businesses, venues, event organizers, and residents to increase their resiliency.

2020 has shown time and time again the need for everyone to take responsibility for preparing for the unknown events that may affect their lives. From a neighborhood water main break that disrupts traffic and halts water service for several hours, to a worldwide pandemic that requires families to stay home and shelter-in-place for weeks, the need for individual preparedness is clear.

Taking these three simple steps can help St. Louisans ready themselves for a disaster and help them to recover more quickly after an incident.

• Make an emergency plan
• Build an emergency supply kit
• Subscribe to NotifySTL and be informed

CEMA recognizes that many people may have disaster fatigue due to the events of 2020 so far, but as CEMA Commissioner Gary Christmann is quick to point out, “Disasters don’t wait. The next disaster may not wait for the current one to end, so it is important for people to take steps now so they are better prepared”.

Residents can follow along on CEMA’s social media accounts throughout September for preparedness tips and information. The agency uses Facebook, Instagram @STLCityEMA, Nextdoor, and Twitter @CityEMA. Additional information is also available on their website stlouis-mo.gov/EMA.

Related Resources

• Emergency Preparedness
• Be Prepared
• https://www.ready.gov/september