Albany, NY - (March 2) - 5:00 p.m.- The International Committee of the Red Cross has launched a Family Links Website aimed at enabling persons in Chile and abroad to register the names of relatives with whom they wish to restore contact. This website is activated during international disasters, including the recent earthquake in Haiti.

The site will progressively incorporate information offering responses to those queries. People seeking news from their loved ones can register the name of sought persons directly on the site at: http://www.icrc.org/familylinks

• The information given on this website is not confidential and can be viewed by anyone.
• The majority of current postings on the Family Links website are from people who are searching for loved ones.
• As the Red Cross in Chile is able to collect information on those who are safe and well, we expect to see more "safe and well" postings from Chile. We do not know when this will happen, but Tracing specialists are en route to Chile, and this is a priority.

Instructions for using the Family Links website

• First search the list. Try various spellings of the name.
• If your relative is not on the list, click on "Register Your Relative"
• Family members should search the list regularly to see if their loved one has registered.
• If there are multiple search results, multiple people may be seeking the same individual and could have extra information.

Inquiries regarding US citizens living or traveling in Chile

• Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens abroad should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens services, at 1-888-407-4747or 202-647-5225 or ChileEarthquake@state.gov.
• Please provide as much information about the individual (full name, birth date and birth place, location and contact information in Chile, any special circumstances) to assist us in locating the U.S. citizen.

Information on the American Red Cross response to the Chilean Earthquake

• The American Red Cross has made an initial $50,000 available for relief operations in Chile following Saturday´s massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake. We stand ready to mobilize additional support, including relief supplies, trained personnel and additional financial assistance should the Chilean Red Cross request it.
• The American Red Cross is now accepting donations designated to the recent earthquake in Chile. Donations can be made by:
  • Calling 1-800-RED-CROSS
  • Visiting www.redcross.org
  • Sending checks or money orders to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter

Donors can help the victims of countless crises, like the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti, 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. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation.

About the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York
Since 1910, ARCNENY has given relief to victims of disasters and helped people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Last year, nearly 1,000 residents of the greater Capital Region received free, emergency assistance by ARCNENY after disasters such as fires, floods, and power outages. Each year, more than 40,000 greater Capital Region residents learn to save lives through Red Cross CPR, water safety, first aid and emergency preparedness classes; and hundreds of local military families receive support and emergency communications services.

The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money and blood from the American people to do its work. An average of 92 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. For more information about your local Red Cross and our 100 years of service, visit www.redcrossneny.org or call (518) 458-8111.