Ripple Effects

As folks in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and parts of Missouri and Nebraska are reviewing their preparedness plans for potential severe weather – I’d like to offer an additional preparedness tip related to Personal Communication Plans.

We all know that if severe weather strikes and leaves any level of damage in its wake, friends and family of those in the affected area will worry about those in the impact area.  News outlets and social media will focus on how bad and/or widespread the damage was – increasing anxiety for those that are unable to reach loved ones in the area.

What if I told you there was an easy way to put minds at ease with just a couple of clicks of the mouse or taps on the keypad of your cell phone or tablet?  Well – there is!

The American Red Cross Safe and Well website provides an easy way for those living in areas affected by severe weather to leave word for family and friends letting them know if they are safe – and if they have had to evacuate the area.  And…on the other side of the communication fence….family and friends can go to the Safe and Well website and search for information on those they care about in the affected area.

The site is secure – with the ability to share as much or little information as desired.  (You can even have it post a general message to your Face Book or Twitter account!)  And those looking for information on someone must have the individual’s name and either full address or primary phone number.  (No “browsing” looking for any-and-everyone in the alphabet!)

Simply go to any web browser and type in Safeandwell.org – and the system will direct you to the home page.  From there, select either “Register myself as Safe and Well” or “Search for Someone” and begin.  Easy-Peasy!

So the message here is simple.

• If you live in an area affected by severe weather and you wish to let family and friends know you are ok – Register yourself on Safe and Well. (And be sure to tell family and friends to look for messages there as well.)
• If you are trying to locate a family member or friend that lives in an area affected by severe weather – visit Red Cross’ Safe and Well website to see if they have registered on the site. Be sure to also try text messaging (cell towers become overworked after a disaster and texts sometimes go through easier than phone calls) and social media sites that are commonly used by the individual.

Easy – right?  Pass It On!

Be Aware ~ Be Informed ~ Be Safe