Single Red Cross number helps relay crisis information

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Although many things can be uncertain for a deployed Airman's family, there's something they can be certain of- reaching their Airman when a crisis occurs.

Military families can now call 877-272-7337 to get in touch with the American Red Cross if they're facing an emergency, including the death of an immediate family member or birth of a child.

"When I was deployed with an air expeditionary group, there was a lot of misinformation about emergency situations," said Lt. Col. Ryan Mantz, 23rd Mission Support Group deputy commander. "Who knows how many family members have no clue how to get an emergency message to their spouse or child?

"It's important for family members of Airmen who are deployed now or preparing to deploy soon to know about this number," he added.

Previously, families often had to remember the number for the local Red Cross chapter. This single number makes emergency communication more efficient while still relaying the urgent message containing factual, complete and verified information. This information helps commanders make a decision regarding emergency leave.

The number can be called for emergency communication services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be used to reach Service members serving anywhere around the world, even on ships at sea.

"It's critically important to our men and women serving away from home that their families know whom to call in the event of an emergency," said Robert Gordon III, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy. "The Red Cross is now making it even easier to make that call."

When calling the Red Cross, family members should include as much information as possible about the service member, including full name, rank, branch of service, Social Security number, date of birth, military address and deployed unit, if applicable.

For more information about emergency communications information, visit www.redcross.org, click on "Getting Assistance" near the top, then choose "Serving military families."