Harris County Texas Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Register with STEAR

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management urges individuals who may require assistance during an emergency to register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, also known as STEAR. The STEAR program is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and responders additional information about community members who may have special needs or concerns during an emergency.

While anyone can register with STEAR, the program is designed to help emergency officials plan for the needs of people with disabilities, including those that have limited mobility, have communication barriers, require medical assistance during an emergency, require personal care assistance, or may need transportation assistance.

Registration is free and voluntary and all information will remain confidential. You can register online at STEAR or by calling 2-1-1. 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Residents must reregister every year to ensure their information is current and accurate. The time to reregister is January 1st.

When registering, you will be required to give your name, address, phone number, and primary language. Additional questions will be asked to capture vital information for local responders. This information includes: emergency contact information, communication barriers, medical needs, caregiver information, information about pets that may accompany the registrant, and other information that will assist responders.

It is important to remember that registering with STEAR does NOT guarantee you will receive specific services during an emergency and it should not be a replacement for your emergency plan. Emergency officials will only reach out to you IF there is a mandatory evacuation ordered in your zip code. HCOHSEM recommends residents take steps to be self-sufficient until emergency services can reach them. Residents should also remember to plan for pets!