Since 2004, STARRS (St. Louis Area Regional Response System) has supported projects to enhance regional preparedness and mitigate disaster impacts. Over the past 20 years, investments in planning, training, and exercises have addressed gaps in Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery.
Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
St. Louis Fusion Center (STLFC)
- Processes an average of 60 terrorism activity reports annually.
- Engages over 200 local agencies and 300+ liaison officers for intelligence-sharing and terrorism prevention.
- Enhances interagency coordination for critical incidents and terrorism prevention.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Established a Critical Infrastructure Protection Coordinator to assess and safeguard key regional assets.
- Maintains a prioritized database of regional vulnerabilities.
Regional Interoperability Communications
- Implemented a region-wide digital microwave network for seamless emergency communication.
- Integrated communication systems like STARCOM21 and SLATER to ensure interoperability.
Law Enforcement and Fire Services Special Teams
- Supported law enforcement tactical teams with FLIR cameras, armored vehicles, and bomb disposal robots.
- Created regional fire rescue teams equipped for structural collapse, water rescues, and hazardous materials response.
Mass Care and Functional Needs Sheltering
- Stockpiled sheltering equipment for displaced citizens and companion animals.
- Developed functional needs sheltering plans in collaboration with public health and the American Red Cross.
Citizen Preparedness and Public Awareness
- Enhanced CERT training with specialized trailers and equipment.
- Launched the “All Ready” campaign to promote disaster preparedness.
Training and Exercises
- Designed multi-discipline HSEEP-compliant training to enhance interagency coordination.
- Conducted crime scene management and victim identification workshops.
Mass Fatality Resource Coordination Plan
- Equipped the region with refrigerated trailers and mobile morgues.
- Trained specialists to manage large-scale fatality incidents.
Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack (CCTA) Program
- Phase I focused on Investigation, Reunification, and Recovery initiatives and strengthening the Intelligence Liaison Officer (ILO) program.
- Phase II included the design and execution of the “Hunter Seeker V” intelligence-sharing exercise series involving 459 participants from 81 agencies.
- Developed operational guides for Notification, Reception, Reunification Operations (NRRO), and Investigative Operations (IO).
- Hosted an ILO Symposium with 80+ stakeholders to strengthen regional collaboration and partnerships.
Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP)
- Developed the Medical Supply Chain Disruption Framework to address resource management during crises.
- Created the Rapid Impact Assessment Tool (RIA) for prioritizing medical resource needs.
- Conducted tabletop exercises and virtual training courses with over 70 participants to validate and refine plans.
- RIA tool utilized during Hurricane Helene to mitigate IV solution shortages, aiding hospitals and EMS providers.
Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP)
- Facilitated collaboration between hospitals, public health, EMS, and emergency management agencies.
- Conduct annual Medical Response Surge Exercises
- Addressed regional healthcare preparedness through ASPR HPP grants.
- HMACS System: Supported regional coordination of hospital resources through the Healthcare Mutual Aid Coordination System (HMACS), enabling resource sharing and communication during disasters.
- ESF8 Coordination: Ensured effective Emergency Support Function 8 (Public Health and Medical Services) coordination to integrate public health, hospital, and EMS efforts during emergencies.
- Developed regional healthcare response plans, including alternate care site operations and surge capacity strategies.
- Strengthened communication systems by installing satellite phones and amateur radios across hospitals and public health offices.
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)
- Collaborate with Missouri to review and implement cybersecurity initiatives.
US Army Task Force 46 Dense Urban Terrain (DUT) Exercise
- Collaborated with Task Force 46 to plan and execute a large-scale exercise in St. Louis.
- Simulated an 8.4 magnitude earthquake impacting Busch Stadium, involving 44,125 attendees and over 30,000 casualties.
- Tested capabilities in:
- Mass Search and Rescue Operations
- CBRN Response
- Field hospital deployment
- Public Health and Emergency Medical Services coordination
- Included regional healthcare partners, law enforcement, fire services, and NGOs.