August 2005

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists extends its deepest sympathies and best wishes to the millions of victims of Hurricane Katrina. We encourage people to heed the safety warnings of their federal, state, and local government officials during this dangerous and difficult time. AFTRA applauds the heroic professionalism and fearless bravery of its broadcast members in the area who, hour after hour and around the clock, risk their health and often their lives to bring us the fullest and most cogent coverage of this terrible disaster. We join all Americans and indeed the entire world in hoping for your safety and quick recovery.
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If you work at WSDU-TV 6 or WVUE-TV, or are searching for a family member who works at WSDU, please call the following numbers:

WSDU: Call Hearst-Argyle TV collect at (212) 887-6820/(212) 887-6810, or e-mail LLange@hearst.com. Please let Hearst-Argyle know if you are ok, if you have a phone number or access to e-mail, and where you can be contacted.

WVUE: Call Emmis Television collect at (415) 435-8810 or e-mail kmontour@emmis.com. We want to get you help and let your friends and co-workers know you are safe. Please call or email and give us a contact phone number or an e-mail address if you have one.
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AFTRA members in need of emergency financial and social service assistance due to Hurricane Katrina can contact The Actors' Fund at 800-221-7303. Please identify where you are calling from, that you are an AFTRA member, and ask to have an intake worker paged. If you call and get the voicemail system, dial extension 119. AFTRA members need not be actors to receive assistance through The Actors' Fund.

AFTRA members who wish to assist their colleagues by making contributions to The Actors' Fund may do so by sending a donation to The Actors Fund at 729 Seventh Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10019.

For AFTRA members located in the affected states, please contact the Miami office at (954) 920-2476 for more information on available assistance.

If you need to contact the AFTRA Health and Retirement Funds, please call (800) 562-4690.

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