How Do I Find My Family?
FEMA has established the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS), which has been developed to help reunite families who are separated during a disaster.
- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activates its National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS) and National Emergency Child Locator Center (NECLC) in connection with specific disasters.
- This system will enable displaced individuals the ability to enter personal information into a website database so that they can be located by others during a disaster.
- The system is available to help families find members of their households from whom they may have become separated as a result of the disaster at hand.
- Registration is voluntary
- People who have been displaced and separated from their family and friends can register and provide information about themselves and where they can be found
- Displaced persons can identify individuals with whom they want to provide information about their location and other personal matters.
To Access the System go to:
The National Emergency Child Locator Center
- Activated to help families, local and tribal governments and law enforcement agencies track and locate children who have become separated from their parents or guardians because of the disaster.
- The Center's operations are managed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, with support from FEMA.
- Persons registering as or searching for a displaced child 21-years-old or younger will be directed to the Center, which will help them locate their families or guardians.
- The website and call center is available 24-hours a day.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family.
- Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information.
- Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.
Get a Kit
- Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
- Store it in your shelter location