How to Locate the Next of Kin

Locating a next of kin for deceased, missing or injured person can be a daunting task. The very uncertainty of what to do in a trying and complex time can be made a little simpler by following the below suggestions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Pen
• Paper

1. Family Tree Depending on whether the person is injured, missing or deceased, there is a free national database which was created specifically for emergency situations (see Resources below).
2. Homeland Security The program is through Homeland Security and is called the Next of Kin Registry. This is a protected site which can be used by citizens, hospitals, coroners office. The site is protected and pertinent information such as social security is not disclosed.
3. Missing All citizens can register for this site before the emergency situation arises. There is no speedy way to do this. Posting information in the local newspaper can also help to locate a person's family.
4. Besides utilizing the registry, there are other sites that can be used. But be advised that these sites can cost money and may not be able to locate the correct person.

Tips & Warnings

• Read all the information before deciding which one to use
• Please be advised other sites that are not through the government there is a cost involved