Programs conducted by organizations like the American Red Cross that provide a communication network which enables the general public to obtain information about the circumstances of relatives and friends who are in an area within the U.S. where a major disaster or wide-spread emergency has occurred. Also included are disaster survivor registries that allow individuals who are alive following a disaster to post their name and medical condition for access by family members and friends; or to leave voice messages providing information about their circumstances, their current location and how to reach them.