|
Relatives looking for missing loved ones, and evacuees in the US who want to inform their loved ones of their location, can register with the Family Links Registry at www.familylinks.icrc.org
The site, run jointly by the American Red Cross and the Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross, enables family members to exchange news. This is a central role undertaken by the Red Cross in times of tragedy and conflict. Those without internet access can use the service by telephoning the United States on 00 1 877 568 3317.
British citizens in the UK who are concerned about relatives in the USA can also call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on 020 7008 0000, or 020 7008 1500 outside normal working hours. Foreign nationals who are unable or unwilling to contact their Embassy directly can call the British Red Cross International Tracing and Message Service on 0845 053 2004, or by email at: tracing@redcross.org.uk
If you are seeking a missing person who has a specific serious medical condition (including insulin-dependent diabetics, people with oxygen dependencies, people on dialysis, the blind or visually impaired and disabled or bedridden people) the American Red Cross Tracing and Message Service (ITMS) may be able to help.
Contact us at tracing@redcross.org.uk and we'll pass your message to the American Red Cross for their urgent attention. Please include details of the person's name, last known address, date of birth and any other relevant information.
The US Government's Federal Emergency Management Agency website - www.fema.gov - has extra information, updates and web links.
The American Red Cross has launched the largest ever relief effort in its 125-year history, giving shelter to more than 140,000 people in more than 400 centres across 12 US states, and providing half a million hot meals a day to those affected by the disaster.
It has 249 emergency response vehicles in the affected region and more than 6,000 Red Cross volunteers and staff are helping on the ground. The organisation is also providing blankets, beds and food to those who have been evacuated from New Orleans to Houston, Texas.
| 
