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Companies launch toll frees for hurricane families

OmVox Telecom and Window Canvas, both of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, have created a new toll-free communications service, allowing family members displaced by Hurricane Katrina to communicate with one another via reverse voice mail. Due to high call volumes, some callers may receive a busy signal or have difficulty getting through the Hurricane Katrina Friends & Family Locator Hotline. Should they experience these problems, they are encouraged to try their call again at a later time.

Storm victims can call 1-877-206-7500, enter a 10-digit telephone number such as their home, office, or cell number, and leave a 3-minute voicemail message, letting others know of their whereabouts and safety. Family members can call 1-877-206-7500, enter the 10-digit telephone number of their loved one and listen to any messages left by missing family members.

"It is difficult being a South Florida resident and watching the devastation, knowing it could have been us. We hope that providing this free service will help relieve some of the anguish and worry by family members affected by Hurricane Katrina," says Michael Self, owner of the two companies sponsoring this free service. "Now is a time that we should all be looking for ways to help," he said.