Tips for tracking down missing loved ones

Even with the bestlaid plans, family members might be unable to meet at prearranged points. Cell phones with contact information might be left behind in the rush to escape danger. Here are some tips for locating loved ones:

Parents should ask child care providers or schools what their policy is for when a catastrophic disaster hits and whom they’ll need to call if children need to be moved.

Persistence matters. There may be several roadblocks before one contact method pans out.

Try calling the people you’re searching for during offpeak hours, when the working lines are less clogged.

Try texting if calls aren’t going through.

Check social media — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram — to see if they are online.

Email. Even if a phone is gone, those who are missing might still be able to log on to a computer.

Call people whom missing loved ones are close to who may know where they are.

Check in with their neighbors, employer, school or church — anywhere they usually hang out or spend time.

For those in distant locations, try sending a snailmail letter that has a good chance of getting forwarded if the missing person has relocated.