A Word About Families

Since 1996, the NTSB has been charged by law with coordinating the resources of the federal government to support the airlines and local and state authorities in meeting the needs of aviation disaster victims and their families. In July 2002 the Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance extended these services for other commercial modes of transportation as well.

The Safety Board makes every effort to protect the privacy of the family members. Access to the hotel where the Board's Family Assistance Center is housed is strictly limited. The Safety Board will, usually within the first 24 hours of establishing the assistance center, hold a press briefing with other organizations assisting the Board to describe the family program and the assistance being provided to the families.

In addition, PAOs are assigned to the Family Assistance Center to answer news media inquiries by phone.

Memorial services held near the scene of the accident and crash site visits for family members are private. However, a media pool may be established to provide coverage. Details will be announced by PAOs stationed at the Family Assistance Center.