Emergency Communication
Health and Welfare Inquiries
Prevent, Prepare for, and Cope with Emergencies
Pre-Deployment Seminars
Emergency Financial Assistance
Information and Referral
AFES Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Communication
In the event of an emergency, critical accident, illness or death of a service member's family,
don't hesitate to contact the Red Cross. The Red Cross is equipped to verify the situation and
relay that information to the military authorities. Those authorities then deliver the news to the
member and use our message to make emergency leave decisions. If you have an emergency – go to
Access Our Services now.
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Health and Welfare Inquiries
Regular communication between service members and their families is not normally a problem, but
sometimes a long time with no word can become worrisome. The Red Cross can help.
Through our worldwide communications network we can get in touch with an installation, ship or
operation where a service member might be located. We can provide you with a report on their welfare
to give you peace of mind. Service members may ask us to obtain the same kind of information on
their families back home. If you have an emergency – go to Access Our Services now.
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Prevent, Prepare for, and Cope with Emergencies
One fact of military life is that families are frequently separated or on the move. No matter how
strong the family ties, moves and separation cause tension for families. This may lead to problems
managing a home or children, making ends meet on a limited income, or adjusting to new communities,
often without the help of family or friends.
The Red Cross can help with immediate personal and family problems. For long term counseling,
appropriate referrals are made. All our social services are provided free of charge.
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Pre-Deployment Seminars
It is vital for family members and dependents to understand what services the Red Cross provides
before an emergency strikes. Red Cross volunteers attend pre-deployment briefings and other unit
family gatherings to answer questions and deliver information. The Red Cross can also send
informational brochures to any loved one in the United States explaining our emergency
communications process.
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Emergency Financial Assistance
Sometimes an emergency arises that requires the presence of a service member or his/her family.
Based on the individual circumstances, the Red Cross may provide access to an interest-free loan
or grant from the Military Aid Society to help with emergency expenses. This may include travel
to a funeral, funeral and burial services and other expenses. We also work with Military Aid
Societies to help with other emergency-caused needs.
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Information and Referral
The Red Cross can provide family members and dependents with a variety of support information,
including both government and other social service agencies. We cannot determine government
benefits, but we can provide you with 1-800 phone numbers for benefits, dental care, etc.
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