American Red Cross Introduces Safe and Well Website
Last Updated:
Thursday, December 14, 2006
The American Red Cross Safe and Well Website, accessible via HYPERLINK http://www.redcross.org is an internet-based tool that families can integrate into their family communications
plan and also one that the Red Cross will use to help disaster victims communicate
from inside the disaster-affected areas to loved ones outside. People within
a disaster area can register themselves as "safe and well" by selecting
and posting standard messages for friends and family that indicate they are
safe and well at a shelter, home or hotel, and will make contact when they
are able. Concerned family members who know the person's phone number (home,
cell or
work) or a complete home address can search for the messages posted by those
who self-register.
The Safe and Well Website complies with all privacy and child protection laws. Because of these privacy concerns, no location information is publicly displayed on this website. The results of a successful search only display a loved one's first name, last name, an as of date, and the Safe and Well messages they posted.
The effectiveness of the Safe and Well Website depends largely on widespread awareness of what the tool can do, especially by populations living in disaster-prone areas and their family and loved ones across the country. It is important for the public to familiarize itself with the site ahead of time, so that when a disaster strikes families will know how to use the site to inform those they love that they are safe and well. Promoting the Safe and Well Website as a preparedness tool before disaster strikes is critical to the effectiveness of the website during a disaster.
Many organizations are working with the American Red Cross to provide families a variety of services and tools to communicate with loved ones during times of emergency. Through the Service Partners page, this website provides links to view the additional services offered by these agencies.
The American Red Cross encourages all its partners to familiarize themselves with the Safe and Well Website and promote it to the general public as a tool to be used during a disaster.
Gayle L. Brock
Director, Diversity
Chapter Operations, NHQ
EAmerican Red Cross
2025 E St., NW
Washington DC 20006
Voice: (202) 303-8566
Fax: (202) 303-0200
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