Register Now for Texas’ STEAR Program: Critical Emergency Help for Residents with Special Needs Ahead of Hurricane Season
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, officials across the Greater Houston Area are encouraging residents who may need help in an emergency to register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). This free, voluntary program serves as a critical lifeline for Texans with disabilities, medical conditions, limited mobility, or communication barriers—helping local responders plan for those who may need extra support during disasters like hurricanes, floods, or power outages.
What Is the STEAR Program?
Established to fill a vital gap in emergency planning, the STEAR program allows individuals to self-identify their needs before a crisis strikes. While registering does not guarantee direct emergency services, it provides local emergency planners and first responders with essential information—such as transportation requirements, communication preferences, and medical dependencies—that can shape evacuation strategies and resource allocation.
STEAR aims to give communities across Texas a better understanding of who needs help, what kind of help they need, and where they are. It has been designed as a powerful tool in coordinating inclusive emergency response plans.
Who Should Register for STEAR?
STEAR is designed for anyone who might need extra help evacuating or getting through a disaster. This includes:
- Individuals with disabilities
- Those who are medically fragile
- People with limited mobility
- Residents with communication barriers
- Individuals who rely on medical equipment or caregivers
- Anyone who requires transportation assistance
- People needing personal care support during emergencies
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Why Registering Matters—Even Without a Guarantee
Although enrolling in STEAR does not ensure services like evacuation, the program is a crucial planning resource. Each Texas jurisdiction uses the data differently, depending on local capacities and response infrastructure. By joining the registry, residents are consenting to share their information with emergency personnel and state agencies during disasters, allowing for a more tailored and effective response when every minute counts.
How to Register for STEAR
There are multiple ways to register:
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Online: Visit stear.tdem.texas.gov
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Phone: Dial 2-1-1 or use your preferred video phone relay to call 877-541-7905
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Forms: Complete a registration form and submit it to your local emergency management office. Forms are available in English and Spanish, and specific facility forms exist for nursing homes and assisted living centers.
You’ll need to provide basic information—name, address, phone number, primary language—and answer questions about emergency contacts, caregiver needs, transportation limitations, medical conditions, and pet evacuation plans.
Registrants should re-enroll every year and contact 2-1-1 or their emergency coordinator if they move or no longer require assistance.
Prepare Beyond Registration
The STEAR trifold brochure also urges residents to assemble a personal emergency bag, create a household communication plan, and pack a disaster kit for service animals or pets, which includes essentials like food, medical records, leashes, and water for three days.
Staying tuned to local news and having important medical and contact information on hand can also help you stay safe and connected during an emergency.
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A Call to Action for Greater Houston
From Cypress and Katy to Tomball and West Houston, the Greater Houston area is no stranger to storms. As preparedness takes center stage this hurricane season, registering with STEAR could be the single most important step for individuals with access and functional needs—or for their caregivers and family members advocating on their behalf.
If you or someone you love may need extra assistance during a disaster, don’t wait. Register with STEAR today and help ensure a safer, more responsive emergency effort in your community.
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.
