PUBLIC LAW 101-246—FEB. 16, 1990 104 STAT. 23 endangered. Such policies shall include measures to identify high risk areas where evacuation may be necessary and, where appropriate, providing staff to United States Government missions abroad to assist in those evacuations. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Secretary shall— "(1) develop a model contingency plan for evacuation of personnel, dependents, and United States citizens from foreign countries; "(2) develop a mechanism whereby United States citizens can voluntarily request to be placed on a list in order to be contacted in the event of an evacuation, or which, in the event of an evacuation, can maintain information on the location of United States citizens in high risk areas submitted by their relatives; "(3) assess the transportation and communications resources in the area being evacuated and determine the logistic support needed for the evacuation; and "(4) develop a plan for coordinating communications between embassy staff, Department of State personnel, and families of United States citizens abroad regarding the whereabouts of those citizens.". (c) PROCEDURES REGARDING MAJOR DISASTERS AND INCIDENTS ABROAD. —The State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2269 et seq.) is amended— (1) by redesignating section 43 as section 44; and 22 USC 2651 (2) by adding after section 42 the following new section: note. "SEC. 43. PROCEDURES REGARDING MAJOR DISASTERS AND INCIDENTS 22 USC 2715. ABROAD AFFECTING UNITED STATES CITIZENS. "In the case of a major disaster or incident abroad which affects the health and safety of citizens of the United States residing or traveling abroad, the Secretary of State shall provide prompt and thorough notification of all appropriate information concerning such disaster or incident and its effect on United States citizens to the next-of-kin of such individuals. Notification shall be provided through the most expeditious means available, including telephone communications, and shall include timely written notice. The Secretary, through the appropriate offices of the Department of State, shall act as a clearinghouse for up-to-date information for the nextof-kin and shall provide other services and assistance. Assistance Aircraft and air shall include liaison with foreign governments and persons and with carriers. United States air carriers concerning arrangements for the preparation and transport to the United States of the remains of citizens who die abroad, as well as disposition of personal effects.". (d) DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDIZED PROCEDURES. — 22 USC 2715 (1) The Secretary of State shall enter into discussions with note, international air carriers and other appropriate entities to develop standardized procedures which will assist the Secretary in implementing the provisions of section 43 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, as amended by subsection (0. (2) The Secretary of State shall consider the feasibility of establishing a toll-free telephone number to facilitate inquiries by the next-of-kin in cases of major disasters or incidents abroad which affect the health and safety of citizens of the United States residing or traveling abroad.
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