Regional Security

The St. Louis region faces a variety of hazards, including natural disasters, terrorism, and large-scale industrial accidents. These events have the potential to disrupt communities, cause casualties, interrupt commerce, and damage or destroy public and private property. To address these challenges, the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG), in collaboration with regional leaders from the medical community, emergency medical services (EMS), fire and police departments, public health agencies, and local governments, established the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS) in February 2003. The mission of STARRS is to develop and enhance regional capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from these hazards, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to safeguarding the St. Louis region.