Children & Elderly

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Planning for both the youngest and oldest of your family members presents some unique issues.  Below are some guidelines and helpful tips for you to consider when planning for children and elderly loved ones.

CHILDREN

Emergency planning for a family - especially if you have children - requires extra thought and preparation.  You have to take into account additional factors that will help everyone effectively manage a stressful situation.

Additional Resources

These are just some of the issues you should consider when making emergency plans that include children.  For additional information on planning for children and helpful tips to effectively manage an emergency situation, visit:

ELDERLY

Older Texans are one of the most at-risk groups when a disaster happens.  If you fall into this group, or you’re making a plan that includes aging parents or elderly relatives, you’ll have to address a number of age-related issues so that an emergency situation is less challenging.  These are just some of the issues you’ll need to consider when making emergency plans that include older Texans.  For additional information on planning for aging adults and helpful tips to effectively manage an emergency situation, visit the DSHS website dealing with the elderly.

EVACUATION OF SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATIONS

  • The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) program is a free registry for Texans of any age that needs additional assistance during an emergency event due to a disability, functional and/or access need, or lack of transportation for evacuation.
  • STEAR registry information provides local emergency planners and responders with information about the needs of individuals in their community
  • How To Register
    • Register online at https://STEAR.dps.texas.gov
    • Dial 2-1-1 or use your video phone relay options of choice to contact 211 at 877-541-7905 (Texas Information Referral Network)
    • Electronic/Paper Forms
      • Forms can be found at http://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/stear/local/htm
      • Completed forms can be faxed or emailed.
      • Email: STEAR@dps.texas.gov
      • Fax: 866-557-1074
  • Registrants are required to re-register every January to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is available to emergency planners and responders
  • Who Should Register?
    • People with Disabilities
    • People with access and functional needs such as:
      • People with limited mobility
      • People who have communication barriers
      • People who require additional medical assistance during an emergency event
      • People who require transportation assistance
      • People who require personal care assistance