EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The City of El Paso's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program (PHEP) are urging residents who have mobility and other special needs to consider signing up for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). STEAR is a free and voluntary program that provides emergency responders with critical information to better assist individuals during disasters, the City said. Information shared during registration is used by emergency managers and first responders to help City and County residents with "access and functional needs" receive appropriate support during emergencies, the City said in a news release. Registering for STEAR allows your information to be shared with first responders and relevant state agencies during a disaster, the City said in a news release. All personal information provided is kept strictly confidential, the City added in its news release. “STEAR is an essential tool that helps emergency management understand and respond to our community’s unique needs,” Kevin Dieter, deputy fire chief and emergency management coordinator for the El Paso Fire Department, said. “Although it doesn’t guarantee specific services, the data collected ensures we can allocate resources effectively and improve our emergency plans.” Who Should Register? The STEAR program is designed for individuals who may need additional assistance during an emergency, including: People with disabilities Medically fragile individuals Those with access and functional needs, such as limited mobility, communication barriers and medical assistance requirements. Individuals requiring personal care or transportation assistance “STEAR allows us to address specific health-related conditions affecting our most vulnerable community members during emergencies,” City-County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza said. “The data helps us develop targeted public health interventions and better prepare to meet their needs.” How to Register El Paso residents can register using the following methods: • Online: STEAR.tdem.texas.gov • Call: 211 • Fax or email completed forms to: (866) 557-1074 or [email protected] In-Person Registration Assistance To make registration easier, staff will be available for in-person assistance at the following locations throughout January: Jessie Moreno Happiness Center563 N. Carolina Dr.10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 2 Hilos De Plata Senior Center4451 Delta Dr.9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7 Memorial Senior Center1800 Byron St.9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8 San Juan Senior Center5701 Tamburo Ct.10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 9 South El Paso Senior Center600 S. Ochoa St.11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14 Eastside Senior Center3200 Fierro Dr.9 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15 Wellington Chew Senior Center4430 Maxwell Ave.10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 16 Grandview Senior Center3134 Jefferson Ave.10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21 Pavo Real Senior Center9311 Alameda Ave.9:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23 Polly Harris Senior Center650 Wallenburg Dr.9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28 For more information, visit ElPasoReady.org or EPHealth.gov under the Emergency Preparedness tab, or call 211.