Many of us have family and friends who live in an area of Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton. Michael Tedesco with the American Red Cross tells us about a reunification program they have that can be used by you to help get updates on loved ones if you’ve been unable to get a hold of them.
“If you call the Red Cross and can share information about the person you’re looking for, a relative or friend in the Tampa area, we, in turn, take that information, survey the registration at our shelters, work with other agencies that might be sheltering and contact local hospitals.
To utilize the Reunification Program, call 1-800-Red-Cross.
During a disaster, communities can be affected by widespread power outages and limited internet connectivity – which can impede communication efforts and the American Red Cross recommends trying some of these methods:
- Call during off-peak hours for the best chance of getting through.
- Send a text message, which may go through when phone calls cannot.
- Check your loved one’s social media pages (i.e., Facebook, X, etc.), as they may have already gone online to tell their story.
- Send an email.
- Call friends and relatives who may have already been in contact with your loved one.
- Call people and places where your loved one is well-known; neighbors, employers, schools, places of worship, senior centers, social clubs/centers, unions, or fraternal organizations.
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