This page provides information about reunification systems that may be available to the public during a disaster.
National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System
FEMA’s National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS) helps reunite families separated during a disaster. It allows displaced individuals to register and provide information about their current location and situation. The system provides a secure web-based environment where survivors and up to seven (7) individuals (their loved ones and/or others) specifically identified can communicate their location as well as provide a personalized message.
Affected individuals, or those seeking information about friends or family, can visit the NEFRLS website or call the NEFRLS hotline at 1-800-588-9822 to register themselves or inquire about another person. The system is only activated at the request of a State to support Presidentially-declared disasters.
National Emergency Child Locator Center
FEMA also works in collaboration with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to support the reunification of children under 21 years of age with their parent(s) or legal guardian. Individuals reporting or searching for a child missing as a result of a disaster should call the NCMEC National Emergency Child Locator Center (NECLC) at 1-866-908-9570 or 1-877-908-9570. NECLC is only activated at the request of a State to support Presidentially-declared disasters.
Unaccompanied Minors Registry
NCMEC maintains the Unaccompanied Minors Registry (UMR), the nation’s first national repository created to collect, store, report, and act on information related to children separated from their parent or legal guardian as a result of disaster. Reports to the UMR are received directly by the NCMEC’s 24/7 call center staff. Individuals can log on to the Unaccompanied Minors Registry (UMR). The registry is available for utilization 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
American Red Cross Safe and Well
Additionally, the American Red Cross maintains Safe and Well, a web-based system that helps reunify friends and family displaced by a disaster. The Safe and Well site is always available and can be used by the public for any disaster, large or small. To speak with someone at the American Red Cross concerning a missing friend or relative, please contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you live or are staying (Click here to find a local chapter).
Post-Disaster Reunification of Children: A Nationwide Approach Released
On November 3, 2013 FEMA, NCMEC, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and American Red Cross released the Post-Disaster Reunification of Children: A Nationwide Approach. This document reflects the Nation’s first attempt to establish a framework and whole community approach for reunifying children separated from their parents or legal guardians in the aftermath of a disaster. Click here to access the Post-Disaster Reunification of Children document and learn more.
Multi-Agency Reunification Services Plan Template
FEMA and the American Red Cross co-facilitated a whole community working group to produce the Multi-Agency Reunification Services Plan Template (the Template). The Template was developed to provide for the review and enhancement of or development of a Reunification Services section to a jurisdiction’s Emergency Operations Plan and/or Mass Care Annex. The Template is intended to provide guidance and suggested procedures for a jurisdiction to consider in the establishment of a whole community approach to providing Multi-Agency Reunification Services. Click here to access the Multi-Agency Reunifications Services Plan Template and learn more.