The assistance program, called STEAR, that helps those with mobility or communication problems during disasters was explained by County Emergency Coordinator Billy Jordan to the DeWitt County Commissioners at their regular meeting on January 13. Jordan explained how a person is signed up and how the county plans to help those individuals.
Also at the meeting, commissioners discussed problems with large trucks ignoring “No Tractor Trailor” signs and heard about problems with water heaters at the county jail.
Emergency Assistance Registry
In a public service announcement, Billy Jordan, the Emergency Management Coordinator, introduced the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) to the Commissioners Court. STEAR is a free volunteer registry designed to provide information to local emergency management teams and responders.
Individuals in the following situations are strongly encouraged to register: - People with disabilities - People who are medically fragile - People who require transportation assis- tance - People with functional needs, such as limited mobility, communication barriers, or those who require additional medical assistance and personal care during an emergency.
“There are multiple ways to sign up. People can call 211 or 512-4242208, register online at stear.tdem.texas.gov, or call my office at 361275-0878,” Jordan said, reaching out to newspapers and social media.
Jordan will collaborate with Lisa Campos from the Cuero-DeWitt County Health Department to spearhead the program.
After creating the registry, the main list will be divided into smaller, more manageable lists.
“For instance, if we have 120 people on the registry, they’ll be distributed into four lists,” he explained.
Two to three qualified individuals from the health department, EMS, hospitals, and other organizations will be responsible for the people on their respective lists.
Jordan outlined how STEAR will function in a code red system scenario.
“We would utilize our code red system to send a message to those individuals registered in this program. If we do not receive a response, we will call their primary custodian. If we are unable to reach them, we will contact the emergency contact they registered with. If we cannot get in touch with either the primary contact or the emergency contact, state law requires us to perform a wellness check by a licensed provider,” he explained.
Judge Daryl Fowler posed various questions regarding the details of STEAR.
“I’m trying to understand if this is a specific state-mandated program requiring local resources to ensure contact is made with homebound individuals during emergencies like hurricanes or floods,” Fowler inquired, also wondering if the phone calls or texts would be automated.
Jordan clarified the execution of the plan.
“I began developing a 120-hour hurricane plan. We start initiating our plans three to four days before the event, which includes contacting individuals,” he said.
“If an evacuation order is issued, it’s the responsibility of the local jurisdiction to assist those who do not have a means of evacuation. We must provide those services at the local government level,” Jordan added.
Next month, DeWitt County will partner with Victoria Emergency Management for a tabletop exercise. “We’ll assess the best practices for assisting our community,” Jordan concluded.
Trucks ignore signs Commissioner Ryan Varela from Precinct 1 reported that trucks had ignored the written “No Tractor Trailer” road signs on Old San Antonio Road, Old Gonzales Road, and Ed Blackwell Road in Precinct 1.
He noted that those roads were too narrow to accommodate two vehicles at the same time.
“A couple of local residents are being run off the road while commuting to work,” Varela said, adding that the roads could not handle heavy loads, and large trucks cause increased wear and tear.
Judge Fowler inquired whether there was a sign currently posted. “Is this a language comprehension issue, are drivers going too fast, or is it due to fog?” Fowler asked.
Varela did not have an answer. The police and sheriff's offices have increased patrols in the area to redirect traffic, but they are not present during heavy nighttime traffic.
There are barriers at the intersection of Old Gonzales Road and Ed Blackwell Road. “The trucks are chipping out the corner of the road,” Varela said as they swing outward, making difficult 90-degree U-turns.
“There is also a camera installed at Mr. Finney’s fence,” he added.
The commissioners scheduled a public hearing on February 10 at 9 a.m. to discuss the installation of visual “No Tractor Trailer” road signs on Old San Antonio Road, Old Gonzales Road, and Ed Blackwell Road in Precinct 1.
Deputy Rickman promoted Sheriff Carl Bowen announced the promotion of Deputy Rickman to the supervisory position of Corporal. In this role, she will be responsible for security operations and managing civil processes. Sheriff Bowen approached the Commissioners Court to request an amendment to the salary order for the County Sheriff's Department. The department has increased the number of full-time deputy sergeants from four to five while reducing the number of full-time deputy corporals from four to three.
