Women react as they walk from the site of an explosion during the Boston Marathon in Boston, April 15, 2013.
Explosions near the Boston Marathon finish line have killed at least two and injured at least 23.
While local and national authorities still don’t know what caused the blasts, aid organizations are ready help connect victims with their loved ones and coordinate any volunteer efforts to support those in need. The American Red Cross has a Safe and Well website that serves as a a hub for people in U.S. disaster zones so displaced people can log their current status, and concerned family and friends can access their information.
Here are the directions for using the Safe and Well website from the American Red Cross:
- If you are currently being affected by a disaster somewhere in the U.S., click List Myself as Safe and Well, enter your pre-disaster address and phone number, and select any of the standard message options.
- If you are concerned about a loved one in the U.S., click Search Registrants and enter the person’s name and pre-disaster phone number OR address. If they have registered, you will be able to view the messages they have posted.
Google has also released person finder, for the Boston Marathon Explosions. Users can log on if they are looking for someone, or if they have information about an individual.
To donate blood, several Red Cross donation spots throughout Massachusetts and in the city of Boston are open to donors. Check which donation spot is closest to you here, or listed below. So far, the American Red Cross has said blood supplies are high:
Boston Donation Center
274 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02116
Braintree Blood Donation Center
170 Forbes Road
Braintree, MA 02184
Dedham Blood Donation Center
180 Rustcraft Road
Suite 115
Dedham, MA 02026
North Shore Blood Donation Center
99 Rosewood Drive
Danvers, MA 01923
Raynham Blood Donation Center
275 New State Hwy (Rte 44)
Raynham, MA 02767
Springfield Blood Donation Center
3500 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01107
Worcester Blood Donation Center
381 Plantation Street
Five Biotech, Suite 110
Worcester, MA 01605