Hunt County officials are gearing up to enhance emergency response capabilities following a recent discussion about the new STEERS program, a statewide database aimed at assisting special needs patients during emergencies. During the Commissioners Court Regular Session on June 27, 2025, the court addressed the implications of this program, which mandates that individuals with specific medical needs register themselves to ensure timely assistance during disasters.

The STEERS program requires local emergency management to contact registered individuals during emergencies, such as ice storms or tornadoes. Officials emphasized the importance of developing a clear policy for outreach, including how many attempts to contact individuals should be made before dispatching personnel to check on them. This proactive approach aims to ensure that vulnerable residents receive necessary support, such as oxygen supplies or shelter, when they need it most.

While the state has not provided funding for the implementation of the STEERS program, Hunt County is preparing to allocate resources to manage the new responsibilities. The court discussed the need for a small budget to facilitate emergency responses, including potential partnerships with local charities and organizations like the Red Cross for additional support.

Additionally, the court reviewed the county's existing emergency preparedness measures, including the maintenance of generators acquired through federal grants. These generators are crucial for maintaining power at essential facilities, such as health departments, during outages.

As Hunt County moves forward with these initiatives, officials are committed to ensuring that all residents, particularly those with special needs, are accounted for and supported in times of crisis. The implementation of the STEERS program represents a significant step toward enhancing the county's emergency management framework, ultimately aiming to safeguard the health and safety of its community members.