When severe weather hits the Lone Star State, emergency preparedness requires more than just extra bottled water and flashlight batteries—which is where the Texas STEAR program for seniors comes in. Designed to support older adults and individuals with specific medical or mobility needs, this free state resource ensures local planners and first responders know who in our community may require additional assistance during a crisis.

What is the Texas STEAR Program?

STEAR (State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry) is a voluntary, confidential registry that collects vital information from residents before a disaster strikes.

By registering, you provide local emergency management teams with critical context about community needs, including:

• Mobility support needs (e.g., wheelchair access or evacuation assistance)

• Medical vulnerabilities (e.g., reliance on electricity for oxygen or dialysis)

• Communication barriers (e.g., hearing impairments or primary language preferences)

• Transportation limitations during mandatory evacuations

Local officials use this data to plan disaster responses, allocate resources, and check on vulnerable populations during severe emergencies.

How to Register for STEAR

Signing up is quick and straightforward. Seniors (or family members assisting them) can register using one of three options:

1. Online Portal: Register directly on the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) website.

2. By Phone: Call 2-1-1 (or toll-free at 877-541-7905) to register over the phone with a representative via 2-1-1 Texas.

3. Paper Forms: Download or request a paper registration form through your local county or municipal emergency management office.

Annual Renewal Requirement: STEAR registrations must be updated every year to ensure local emergency personnel have your most current medical, contact, and housing information.

A Supplement to Caregiving—Not a Replacement

While STEAR is a valuable community resource, it is important to understand its scope.

Important Reminder: Registering in the STEAR system does not guarantee immediate or priority emergency assistance during a disaster. Services vary by municipality, and first responders may still face travel hazards during major events.

STEAR is meant to be a supplement to the support provided by family members, neighbors, and caregivers—not a replacement for personal emergency planning.

If you care for an older family member, STEAR works best alongside a comprehensive personal care plan:

• Maintain a updated list of medications, medical providers, and family contacts.

• Establish a secondary location to stay if an evacuation becomes necessary.

• Keep backup battery packs or generators for essential medical equipment.

Don’t Stop at STEAR: Utilize Every Available Resource

STEAR is just one layer of safety. Seniors and their families should take advantage of all available registries and emergency tools in their area:

• Local Emergency Alerts: Sign up for your city or county’s emergency alert system (e.g., 911.0rg, ReadySouthTexas, or local county emergency text alerts).

• Utility Company Priority Lists: If you rely on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment, contact your local electric provider to register for critical care or chronic condition designation.

• Community Services via 2-1-1: Visit 2-1-1 Texas or call 2-1-1 to connect with local community support services, food distribution networks, and non-emergency health programs.

• State Disaster Resources: Stay informed on state-level planning tools via the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

Taking 10 minutes today to register for STEAR and set up local alert systems can make a meaningful difference when unexpected severe weather arrives. Share this resource with older family members, neighbors, and friends across Texas to ensure our community stays prepared together.