The American Red Cross Urges Cape Fear Residents to Prepare Now By Updating Family Communications Plans

The American Red Cross Urges Cape Fear Residents to Prepare Now By Updating Family Communications Plans

Wilmington, NC August, 25, 2011 – Personal preparedness can help keep people safer during an emergency.  Having an up to date family communications plan can alleviate fear and provide peace of mind. In preparation for Hurricane Irene, remember to let your family and friends know about your plans. Should the hurricane make landfall, electricity and phone lines may be down for a period of time, and loved ones across the country may fear for the safety of those in the disaster area.

A communication tool that families can integrate into their plan is the Red Cross Safe and Well website, accessed via www.redcross.org. This public website allows those affected by disaster to register themselves as “safe and well” by posting standard messages that indicate they are at a shelter, home, or hotel and will make contact when they are able. Concerned family members who know the person's phone number or a complete home address can search for the posted messages. In addition to bringing peace of mind to those outside of the disaster area, use of this tool helps mitigate congestion of public and cellular telephone lines and reduces the burden on emergency responders. 

It is important to note that the Safe and Well website safeguards the registrant’s privacy. Standard messages are enough to provide peace of mind, but the site does not reveal the registrant’s specific location or contact information.

The Safe and Well website is also available in Spanish at www.sanoysalvo.org.  People without access to a computer, without electricity or in need of help from an interpreter can call the Red Cross at 910-762-2683 to register.

For more information on hurricane preparedness and Safe and Well, contact the Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross at 910-762-2683 or www.CapeFearRedCross.org.

About the American Red Cross:
You can help people affected by disasters like floods and tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. To make a donation, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. To learn more about the work of the American Red Cross in the U.S. and around the world, please visit redcross.org.