When disasters strike, loved ones can become separated or lose contact with relatives affected by the disaster.
Those who have been affected by a disaster can register or search for others on the Safe and Well website where loved ones can search for information.
Safe and Well is always available. During large-scale disasters like Hurricane Sandy, when Internet and phone lines may be compromised, trained Red Cross volunteers can help people register using a paper form. Privacy is preserved. No specific location or contact information is displayed unless one chooses to do so in a custom message. People will need to know the person's name and address or phone number in order to see the post.
To use Safe and Well, use the following information:
Visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click "Search Registrants."
Enter the perosn's full name and then choose Option 1, search by phone number, or Option 2, search by complete home address.
Click "Search Entries."
Results will only show the person's name, the date and time of registration and the messages they chose to share - just enough info to provide peace of mind until normal communications can be restored.
If the person is not listed, and if he or she had a serious, pre-existing health or mental health condition, contact your local Red Cross to initiate an Emergency Welfare Inquiry.
To register in the Safe and Well system, take the following steps:
Visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell
Click "List Myself as Safe and Well" and enter information into all required fields.
Select at least one of the standard messages for posting (i.e., "I am safe and well," "Family and I are safe and well," "I am at a shelter," "I am currently at home").
Enter a custom message, of up to 255 characters, to further tell your story.
Click "Submit." The registration will now be available to those who search. They will only see the perosn's name, the date and time of your registration and the messages the person chooses to share. Registration will automatically drop from the system after one year.
For more information on Safe and Well visit www.redcross.org/swny. The American Red Cross of Southwestern NY is a United Way agency.