No one wants to believe a disaster can strike them - disasters like last week's chemical fire in Bryan have shown us that no one knows when the next special report might be covering news from our own backyard.

That is why it is so important for to be prepared for an emergency.
"Some people in our community may need special assistance during a hurricane, chemical fire, flood or other emergency" says Alison Smith, Director of I&R Services for 2-1-1 Texas/United Way of the Brazos Valley. "If you or someone you love has a physical, mental and/or medical care need that may need special assistance during an emergency, please dial 2-1-1 to register with the Special Needs Registry."

Purpose of the Special Needs Registry:
Information collected from the Special Needs Registry is communicated to the appropriate county's office of emergency management and is used to alert city and county officials to the physical location of individuals with special needs (oxygen, medication dependency, no transportation, physical limitations, etc.) in the event of a disaster or emergency.

Emergency management coordinators will use this information to create phone banks and maps that will give emergency responders a vital tool in assisting individuals in a disaster. A disaster can include anything from a hurricane, flood, fire, or chemical spill, to a power outage, etc.

Why You Should Register with the Special Needs Registry:
By registering with the Special Needs Registry, county officials will know your location and possible needs in the event of a disaster/emergency. Officials will be able to notify you of situations in your area and assess your needs.
"Should an evacuation be needed, being registered with the Special Needs Registry will give first responders the knowledge of your whereabouts and will help get you to safety quickly," states Alison Smith.

Registering only takes a few minutes and will help you to be prepared and informed, should a disaster occur.
To register:
1. Dial 2-1-1 from a touch-tone phone Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

2. Select Option 1 for English, 2 for Spanish or 0 for another language.

3. Select Option 1: Information and Referral for Local Community Services.

4. Tell the specialist you want to register with the Brazos Valley Special Needs Registry.

5. The specialist will ask several questions regarding your situation. Information provided for the Registry is not used for any other purpose than the Special Needs Registry. Even if you have registered with the Special Needs Registry before, please dial 2-1-1 to update your
information; this ensures that our information is current and accurate. You can also dial 2-1-1 if you are unsure of whether you need to register; a trained specialist will speak with you and help you decide.

** If your contact or medical information changes, be sure to dial 2-1-1 to update this information. **
2-1-1 Texas is collecting this information on behalf of the community and Counties in the Brazos Valley. 2-1-1 Texas will not be coordinating an evacuation, should one ever be needed; however, 2-1-1 Texas will have valuable information for community members in the event of a disaster/emergency.