by Gloria Edmonson Nelson

Created on: January 26, 2010

There are many successes in regards to Haitians living outside of Haiti finding their relatives and friends after the recent earthquake. It is very important that people seeking loved ones following a disaster should not panic. Although it is very difficult to remain calm, moving proactively by utilizing the available resources. It is important to know that others are concerned and are working in an attempt to lessen the stress. Some of those organizations and individuals are as follows:  

KONEKSYON.COM - A Haiti Missing Person's Board where you register and post information about your missing relatives and friends. As of this date, they have reunited 53 families. Although they are temporarily out of commission; they will be launching again soon. Please check periodically for their return.

FAMILYLINKS.ICRC.ORG - This is another viable site. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Haitian Red Cross have opened an office in Port au Prince where people can register on the website as well as make a telephone call to restore contact with their families and friends. They have provided three ways that people can search as follows:

1) List Your Name (Someone might be looking for you) - Include your name, date of birth, gender, place of birth, father's name, and email and/or telephone number. 

2) You Are Alive - Go to the Category: "I Am Alive." Include your name, parent's names, gender, date and place of birth, place of residence before disaster, address, telephone (and a second number if possible), as well as email address.

3) To Seek Missing Persons - If you are looking for someone. Include their name, parent's names, gender, date of birth, age, place of birth, and place of residence before disaster. Also include the Enquirer's name, parent's names, date of birth, address, telephone, email, and include the name of the Seeker. (That might be different than the person who is inquiring).

NOTE: ICRC is not responsible for any inaccurate information, and they cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences from publishing on the website. Because the information posted can be viewed worldwide, they warn against posting any information that could be detrimental to you or someone else.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT - They have set up a Haiti Hotline for those trying to get in contact with relatives at: 1-888-407-4747. They have also issued a "People Finder." This tool has also been set up for other governments as well as private organizations.

FACEBOOK.COM - They have created a website especially for those searching for information regarding relatives in Haiti. The information can be posted about those who are missing, and the latest news is also available on this site regarding the disaster.

CNN's iReport - You can go to this site and upload photographs with the name, age, and city where the missing person might be located. Their website address is: www.ireport.com/. They are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ireport.

The Red Cross is recommended that Haitians living outside of Haiti should first try to contact the missing relative or friend and also to contact their neighbors via telephone and/or email, etc. You should also use various sites to post your contact as well as your relative's information so that others looking on might assist. 

 REFERENCE:

Middletownpress.com/articles/2010/01/13/news/doc4b4e 07192aoff736

Myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/international/01120haiti-e arthquake-find

Examiner.com/x-12757-us-headlines-examiner-y2010m1d1 4-haiti-ea (Article by Cindy Adams, "Haiti Earthquake: How to Find Relatives and Loved Ones Affected by Disaster.")

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