The American Red Cross is collecting donations, preparing to deploy volunteers and providing a Web resource for people to check on families and friends in the Samoas.

Officials said yesterday that Hawaii Red Cross volunteers are on standby to deploy to American Samoa. At least one volunteer from Maui will be traveling to Samoa today, they said.

The organization also has a “;Safe and Well”; Web site that allows individuals to let their families and friends know they are safe.

To use the Web tool, log onto www.redcross.org and choose “;List Myself as Safe and Well.”; Users will be asked for their pre-disaster address and phone number. They can select from a menu of messages—such as “;I am safe and well”; or “;Currently at a shelter”; or “;Will make phone calls when available”;—that can be viewed by loved ones.

Anyone concerned about an affected individual can visit the “;search”; page, enter the person's name and pre-disaster phone number or address. If the person has registered, his or her messages may be viewed.

The Safe and Well site safeguards the privacy of disaster victims by allowing them to choose who will know their whereabouts and how best to communicate that information, officials said.