The mother of four doesn't mind the state's watchful eye, not when her confinement to a wheelchair could make her vulnerable during a snowstorm, flood or earthquake.

The Utah Division of Homeland Security announced Friday the creation of an online database that will supply disaster management teams with information about people with disabilities. The database will contain information on people's mobility, medications and other impairments that might endanger them during an emergency. It will provide contact information and perhaps a family physician in case of medical troubles.

Disaster teams would use the information to more effectively help the state's most at-risk population during an emergency.

The registry is voluntary, compiled by people who submit their information online or over the phone. Homeland Security officials called it a potential lifesaver during a natural disaster.

"This will give us a jump-start," said Michael Kuehn, the state's Homeland Security director. "It will pinpoint folks who are in genuine need of help that they can't get any other way."

The registry is available online at www.specialneedsutah.org or by calling 211.

Beckstead, a program coordinator at the Utah Independent Living Center in Salt Lake City, registered Friday. She admitted some concerns about privacy, but said the added security outweighs any worries.

"Sometimes you need to take risks to protect yourself," she said.

Homeland Security officials downplayed the privacy issue Friday, stating that the information will be stored on a protected server and distributed only to emergency personnel.

Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., drumming up support for the initiative, said the registry will fill a gap in the state's emergency preparedness efforts.

"Snowstorms and floods like those that we saw not long ago in St. George helped us understand the importance of emergency preparedness and looking after all of our citizens," he said.

The registry will cost about $30,000 annually, paid out of grant money through the Division of Homeland Security and Utah Department of Health. The state not only will maintain the database, but call registrants once a year to make sure the information is current.

Homeland Security officials had no estimate on how many people might participate, but said they would beef up 211 personnel to meet demand, if necessary.

"It makes me feel good that if something were to happen like a snowstorm, flood or earthquake, that someone would check on me to make sure I'm OK," Beckstead said. "It's a peace of mind."

jstettler@sltrib.com