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During a disaster like a hurricane or an earthquake, families are often displaced, communications may be disrupted, and worried loved ones can lose track of friends and family members.
Getting word to them can be difficult or impossible amid the chaos.
The Red Cross has maintained a SAFE & WELL web-based program since 2006 that lets people log in and post their name, address, phone number and a brief message that worried family members can check for.
To search for someone, you need their name and either address or phone number. Multiple (date stamped) messages may be retrieved.
The Red Cross also has a web based FIND SHELTER app that lets you input a location and gives you the locations of open emergency shelters in the vicinity.
The Red Cross has recently updated their Safe & Well program, and it now lets users update their Facebook and Twitter statuses as well.
For more details, visit the Red Cross website or follow the link below to read the press release.
American Red Cross Unveils New, Improved Technology to Help the Public During Disasters
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
In preparation for the height of what could be a very active hurricane season, the American Red Cross has unveiled new and updated technology to help families stay safe and reconnect during a disaster.
"Every day, millions of people use the web to connect with friends and family, and the Red Cross is using the same technology to help people prepare for, stay safe and connect with loved ones during an emergency," said Joe Becker, senior vice president for Red Cross Disaster Services. "And we're very excited to have both an improved Safe and Well site and a real-time way to find shelter locations this hurricane season.
"Safe and Well is a secure and easy-to-use online tool that allows people inside a disaster-affected area to list themselves as "safe and well" and for loved ones to search for these messages . . .
Now would be a good time to let your friends and family know, that should you be caught in a disaster, they should look for a message from you on the Red Cross Safe and Well site.
