Emergency Communications Services

American Red Cross communication services keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member or other important events, such as the birth of a child. The Red Cross sends messages quickly, anywhere in the world, including ships at sea, embassies and to isolated military units. The information or verification in a message assists the service member's commanding officer in making a decision regarding emergency leave.

Contacting the Red Cross to Send an Emergency Message:

•  You can call us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (716) 434-8876 during office hours, or (716) 514-5700 after hours.

When calling the Red Cross to send an emergency message to a family member, please have ready the following information which will speed the process of sending your message:

• Service Member's Full Name
• Rank/Rating
• Branch of Service
  
• Social Security Number
• Military Address
• Information about the deployed unit and the home base unit (for deployed service members only)