The American Red Cross is providing an opportunity for family and friends of servicemembers stationed in Japan to gain peace of mind.
If you happen to have family or friends in Japan, hopefully you've heard from them, but if not, go to the American Red Cross sponsored Safe and Well site and select "search registrants." You'll then be taken to a page containing various search options.
Over the past few days the Red Cross has been encouraging servicemembers stationed in Japan to register their name. Registrants also have the option of posting a custom message or choose a standard message such as, "I am safe and well," "My family and I are safe and well" or "Currently at shelter."
Only individuals in a disaster area can register. For example, a military family in the U.S. cannot register in hopes that their loved one will read the message. According to the Red Cross, this policy is to facilitate communication from those inside a disaster area to their loved ones outside.
It's important to note that this service isn't restricted to servicemembers and military families. Anyone caught up in a disaster can register their name on the Safe and Well Web site.