Southeast Texas citizens encouraged to sign up to receive emergency notifications in the event of natural disasters

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen speaking on the benefit of signing up with STAN. All images courtesy of Allen

During the aftermath of the Kerr County flooding and continued flooding state-wide, many are asking the same question; what if it happens here?

As many already know, Southeast Texans have access to an alerting system that can warn us in the event of a serious situation such as flash floods or other natural disasters. The Southeast Texas Alerting Network or STAN is an immediate alerting system that is available to every citizen in Jasper, Jefferson, Hardin and Orange Counties free of charge.

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen said, "The STAN, which is coordinated by the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission, provides updates on major weather events such as tornados, floods or hurricanes, as well as evacuations ordered by local county governments due to wildfires, flooding, hazardous chemical releases or imminent hurricane landfall."

Anyone wanting to register may do so at:

www.theSTAN.com

According to Allen, this system can instantly relay information via cell phone and landline calls, text messages and email and can be adapted to provide information for a single county or multiple counties for those with family members working or attending school in the Golden Triangle area.

For families with disabled or elderly loved ones, the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry or STEAR can assure they receive medical assistance or emergency transportation during a major event or evacuation. Families can register themselves or loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or online at www.STEAR.Texas.gov.