When a crisis occurs abroad, the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in the affected country communicate with the American public and track their welfare and whereabouts.

If You Are in a Foreign Country Involved in a Crisis:

• Monitor the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page and the home page for the U.S. Embassy in the foreign country for up-to-date information about the crisis.
• Contact your family in the United States to reassure them of your whereabouts and safety.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need help.
• Register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on-line, by phone, email, fax or in person. Registration helps consular staff contact you if necessary and allows you to receive situation updates.
• Monitor Voice of America and local media for announcements.
• Federal government employees overseas on official business should obtain “country clearance” before heading abroad, and must remain in contact with the U.S. Embassy throughout their stay in a foreign country.

If You Are in the United States

Families in the United States whose U.S. citizen relatives abroad may be directly affected by a crisis can contact the U.S. Department of State's Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management at 1-888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444).

Benefits for American Citizens Affected by an International Disaster

Some federal benefits may be available for American citizens affected by an international disaster. Take the DisasterAssistance.gov full pre-screening questionnaire or contact the U.S. embassy in the affected country.

International Disaster Response

The most efficient and effective way to help those affected by a disaster overseas is to make a monetary donation to a humanitarian organization that is implementing relief programs in the affected region. See the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Disaster Assistance webpage "How Can I Help?".