The City of St. Charles Emergency Management System
Led by Fire Chief Ernie Rhodes

Disaster strikes anytime and anywhere. It takes many forms—a hurricane, a tornado, a flood, a fire or a hazardous spill, an act of nature or an act of terrorism. It builds over days or weeks, or hits suddenly, without warning. Every year, millions of Americans face disasters, and its terrifying consequences. Quite often, our city and surrounding residents become affected by these events.

In recent times, the city has seen natural disasters such as floods, hail and violent wind storms. Because natural disasters often occur without warning, the fire department recommends that everyone should be prepared for a disaster. Being prepared starts with having a family disaster kit. This kit includes food, water, clothing, emergency lighting and a communication plan. These are just a few items for a disaster response kit. For more information see our link to either FEMA or the American Red Cross.

The City of St. Charles Emergency Management Provides for:

• Effective and orderly governmental control and coordination of emergency operations in emergencies within the scope of Missouri Statutes.
• Develops and maintains the entire city’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
• Coordinates emergency management activities, services and programs within the city including:
• Teaching people how to get through a disaster. Including CERT team training, CPR and first aid, and disaster planning for families and businesses.
• Helping equip the city’s first responders.
• Training and emergency simulations.
• Reviews and provides technical assistance for all health care facilities (hospitals, nursing homes, adult living facilities, and ambulatory surgical disaster centers) disaster plans, and schools.
• Serves as liaison to the State Division of Emergency Management and other local emergency management agencies and organizations.
• Serves as the liaison and the coordinator of municipality requests for state and federal assistance during disasters.