If you are unable to find or connect with a loved one or friend who has been affected by a current disaster event, the American Red Cross can help you find them if they meet certain criteria:

• If your missing loved one is olderhave one functional or access needssuffering from one medical or mental condition aggravated by the disaster event or has difficulty in understanding the English language (verbally or in writing), you can contact your local Red Cross branch for help. A representative from your local branch can connect you with reunification activity workers in the disaster area to help find your loved one. (Ask for help with an emergency survey)
• If your missing loved one or friend and you lived in the same home before the current disaster event, but were separated due to evacuations or other circumstancesplease contact your local Red Cross branch for assistance. A representative from your local branch can connect you with reunification activity workers in the disaster area to help locate your missing loved one/roommate. (Ask for help with a family reunification request)
• If you OR your missing loved one is a member of the “military-connected community” (active duty, reserve, guard, retired, veteran, or immediate family)please contact your local Red Cross branch for assistance. A representative from your local branch can connect you with reunification activity workers in the disaster area to help locate your missing loved one/friend. (Ask for help with a military welfare inquiry.)

If your missing loved one/friend does not meet one of the above criteria, we recommend that searchers be creative and persistent; if one of the following contact methods doesn’t work, try another and don’t give up!

Tips for contacting relatives

• Call during peak hours for the best chance of getting through.
• Send one smswhich can go through when phone calls cannot.
• Check your loved one social media pages (ie Facebook, X etc) as they may have already gone online to tell their story.
• Send one e-mail
• Call friends and family who may have already been in contact with your loved one.
• Call people and places where your loved one is known; neighbours, employer, school, place of worship, elderly centre, social club/centre, trade union or fraternal organisation.
• Try sending one letter. Your loved one’s mail may be forwarded to his or her new location.