City of St. Louis Launches Upgraded “NotifySTL” Emergency Alert System

Effective immediately, the City of St. Louis has upgraded its free Emergency Alert Mass Notification System in an effort to help keep residents, businesses, and visitors better prepared, and able to respond more quickly and confidently during emergencies.

People who were previously receiving alert messages from the City’s Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) using the Nixle platform will now continue to receive messages through the new platform, NotifySTL. However, if they wish to re-select or customize delivery methods and alert types, registering online is suggested. 

For people who are not currently subscribed, simply text STLCEMA to 888777 or enroll online.

“NotifySTL delivers the information our residents and visitors want and the important alerts they need. From evacuations to major utility outages to neighborhood boil orders, this will be a critical tool to keep people informed and safe when it matters the most,” said Mayor Lyda Krewson. 

Among NotifySTL’s features are multiple contact methods, two-way communication, and updated weather alerts. CEMA will manage the tool in coordination with other City departments and agencies.

NotifySTL is designed to alert residents and visitors about a variety of events, ranging from severe weather, fires, floods, and law enforcement incidents/emergencies, to general announcements, such as large-scale utility outages or maintenance. 

Messages will be sent to residents on their preferred contact paths—cell phone, SMS (text), home phone, email, fax and more—to ensure real-time access to potentially lifesaving information. Residents listed in the St. Louis 911 database will be automatically subscribed to alerts by phone, but NotifySTL allows everyone to self-register, provide additional contact information, or opt-out.
 
“We have a commitment to ensure public safety, community awareness and emergency response. When critical information and public service announcements are available, we need to reach our residents as quickly and reliably as possible,” said Sarah Gamblin-Luig, St. Louis Public Safety official and NotifySTL Project Manager. “The NotifySTL system allows the City to disseminate this information across all types of devices, ensuring residents have access to real-time, vital public information.”

NotifySTL is powered by Everbridge, the worldwide leader in unified critical communications, which also powered the Nixle platform.