Commissioner Lesley Briones Urges Precinct 4 Residents in Cimarron to Register for STEAR After Central Texas Flooding
In the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding in Kerr County and Central Texas, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones is calling on Cimarron residents—particularly those with special needs—to register for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). The free, voluntary registry is designed to help emergency planners better assist residents during disasters, and Briones says the recent tragedy highlights just how vital early preparedness can be.
“My heart is with the families who have lost loved ones to the horrific flooding in Kerr County and the surrounding region,” said Commissioner Briones on July 5. “To the families waiting for news, I am praying with you. As a mother of three young daughters, I cannot fathom the pain these families are experiencing. At least one child from Harris County Precinct 4 has still not been located. I am praying for these families, and my team and I stand ready to provide any support that is needed in the coming days.”
The recent floods have placed renewed urgency on ensuring vulnerable populations are accounted for in emergency situations. STEAR, managed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), is specifically designed to help residents who may need extra assistance in evacuating or receiving critical care during disasters. This includes individuals with disabilities, mobility limitations, medical needs, communication barriers, or those who require transportation or personal care support.
What is STEAR and Who Should Register?
The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) is a no-cost resource for residents who might need help during an emergency. It allows local emergency planners to access essential information that helps them prepare for and respond to crises. Those encouraged to register include:
- People with disabilities
- Medically fragile individuals
- Those with limited mobility
- People with communication barriers
- Residents who need transportation or personal care assistance during evacuations
Required registration details include name, address, phone number, and primary language, with additional questions covering caregiver and emergency contact information, pet needs, transportation barriers, and medical or functional needs.
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How to Register for STEAR
Residents can sign up through the following methods:
- Online: CLICK HERE
- Phone: Dial 2-1-1
- Assistance: Call 832-927-4444, email service@hcp4.net, or visit hcp4.info/stear_request
- Walk-in Support: Available Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bayland, Burnett Bayland, or Radack Community Centers
For residents who may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with online systems, the Precinct 4 team is offering in-person help at local community centers. However, it's important to note that registering does not guarantee a specific service during emergencies—but it significantly increases the chances of being reached and assisted by local authorities.
Upgraded STEAR System Enhances Disaster Response Capabilities
In January 2025, Governor Greg Abbott and TDEM unveiled an upgraded STEAR database with several new features aimed at improving data accuracy and coordination:
- A new user-friendly interface
- Seamless integration with local emergency systems
- GIS mapping for real-time visualization
- Improved address and phone validation=
- Streamlined data entry for better consistency
“The safety of all Texans is our No. 1 priority, including Texans with special needs or disabilities,” Governor Abbott said during the launch. “The upgraded STEAR database provides Texans with disabilities or mobility needs a way to communicate their personalized needs with state and local officials so they can receive the necessary assistance during a disaster.”
TDEM Chief Nim Kidd emphasized the importance of participation: “Any Texan with medical, access, or functional needs is encouraged to register for STEAR, informing local responders of their individual needs in the event of a disaster.”
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Precinct 4 Urges Residents to Prepare Now
Commissioner Briones’ office is working to ensure Precinct 4 residents, including those in Cimarron are aware of and can easily access STEAR, especially those who may be most impacted during storms or floods. As hurricane season intensifies and flood risks remain high in Greater Houston, local leaders are making a renewed push to protect those at highest risk.
“We cannot wait for the next disaster to think about how we protect our most vulnerable neighbors,” Briones said.
For more updates on disaster preparedness tools and community safety programs in Precinct 4, residents are encouraged to stay tuned with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
