American Red Cross response to Tuesday's Earthquake in Haiti
RAF MILDENHALL, England -- For inquiries about relatives living and who have citizenship in Haiti, please be patient and call repeatedly until the lines clear or contact other family members who live nearby.
Telephone, Internet and other communication lines are often disrupted in times of disaster. People trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Haiti should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225. Or, Go to the American Red Cross Public Web site and follow the below instructions:
Once at the home page, go to the 'Getting Assistance' tab at the top. Click on 'Contact family members'' (upper left hand column), then click '>Read More' below the 'List Yourself as Safe and Well.'
There, you will find options (in English or Spanish) to search for individuals or family members (if they are registered). There is also a help line number (free within the U.S.), established already in support of the Haiti disaster response, 1- 888-407-4747.
The American Red Cross National Headquarters has pledged an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti, and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation. The American Red Cross does not have the capacity to accept donations of product from individuals or community groups in times of disaster.
Though unsolicited offers of goods and services from individuals and community groups are well intentioned, they have hidden costs and pose a number of complications for relief efforts. The American Red Cross accepts financial contributions to their Disaster Relief Fund.
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those
in need. Donations to the International Response Fund can be sent to:
The American Red Cross
P.O. Box 37243
Washington, D.C. 20013
Make donations by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.
Editor's note: For further information please call our local office at: DSN: 238-2107 or commercially, 01638 542107.