In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and the May 2024 derecho, Harris County demonstrated the effectiveness of proactive planning and coordinated efforts to support vulnerable residents. These incidents caused extensive damage, widespread power outages, and significant challenges for the community. By leveraging the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) provided critical aid to those in need.
What is STEAR?
The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) was established to identify and assist residents with disabilities, medical needs, and other challenges during emergencies. Registered residents receive wellness checks, medical aid, and logistical support during disasters. Facilities like nursing homes and home health organizations must also register, ensuring comprehensive emergency planning.
Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho Response
Proactive Communication: Ahead of Hurricane Beryl, HCOHSEM contacted STEAR registrants to activate their personal preparedness plans. The mass notification system reached 1,030 registrants, with local fire departments successfully contacting 605 residents.
Follow-Up and Collaboration: For unresponsive residents, follow-up messages and polls reduced the number of non-contacts to 360. Collaborating with agencies like the Catastrophic Medical Operations Center and Harris County Public Health, HCOHSEM addressed urgent medical needs, shelter requirements, and other concerns.
Key Outcomes
Personalized Assistance: Teams provided medical supplies, wellness checks, transportation to shelters, and resources like solar chargers and Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). Notable cases included reuniting families, assisting medically fragile individuals, and connecting residents with long-term support.
Effective Coordination: By utilizing GIS data, HCOHSEM identified 17 critical cases among remaining uncontacted registrants. This data-driven approach allowed targeted interventions, including wellness checks by fire departments and emergency services.
Recovery Support: Post-disaster messages provided recovery information, including resources for cooling centers, power restoration updates, and federal assistance applications.
The comprehensive approach taken by HCOHSEM during Hurricane Beryl and the derecho highlights the importance of preparedness, technology, and collaboration in disaster response. By prioritizing vulnerable populations and leveraging tools like STEAR, Harris County set a benchmark for managing emergencies and fostering community resilience.