Evolution of a critical emergency response tool

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What Is STEAR?

Following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the State of Texas created the Transportation Assistance Registry to assist emergency managers and other officials in determining the types of transportation individuals in their jurisdictions may require in case of evacuation. That tool evolved over time as entities began realizing they would need a tool to capture needs beyond transportation during an emergency.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management created the State of Texas Assistance Registry (STEAR) in March 2013 as a tool for emergency responders and planners to assist residents with varying needs during an evacuation. Since then, HCOHSEM has promoted it publicly and included STEAR in evacuation planning. HCOHSEM reminds residents about STEAR as part of hurricane preparedness information throughout the year.

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Wellness Check Mobilization – Derecho

The anticipated extended power outage led to HCOHSEM proactively initiating plans to contact STEAR registrants in unincorporated Harris County. On May 17, 2024, HCOSHEM utilized its mass notification system to contact STEAR registrants with a message encouraging them to enact their personal preparedness plans due to a potential extended power outage.

At the same time, HCOHSEM shared data with the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, delineating which fire department or emergency service district served each resident on the list. Fire departments and emergency service districts could use this information to conduct wellness checks and report to the Harris County Emergency Operations Center. Of the 1,030 registrants on the list, local departments successfully contacted 605.

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