Red Cross offers 'Safe and Well' to find loved ones

When disasters strike, loved ones can become separated, or lose contact with relatives affected by the disaster. If you have been affected by a disaster you can register yourself or search for others on the Safe and Well website where your 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 you register using a paper form.  Your privacy is preserved. No specific location or contact information is displayed unless you choose to do so in your custom message. People will need to know your name and address or phone number in order to see your post.

If you are having trouble reaching your loved ones in a disaster area, try searching on Safe and Well.

1. Visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click “Search Registrants.”

2. Enter your loved one’s full name and then choose Option 1 (search by phone number) or Option 2 (search by complete home address).

3. Click “Search Entries.”

4. Results will only show your loved one’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.

5. If your loved one 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.

If you are ever in a situation to register yourself in Safe and Well follow these steps:

1. Visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell

2. Click “List Myself as Safe and Well” and enter information into all required fields.

3. 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”).

4. Enter a custom message, of up to 255 characters, to further tell your story.

5. Click “Submit.” Your registration will now be available to those who search. They will only see your name, the date and time of your registration, and the messages you chose to share. Your registration will automatically drop from the system after 1 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.