Angel Search And Rescue

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March 10, 2010

Angel Search & Rescue Safety Tips

Tips for Parents - What to do if your child gets lost

1. Calm Down Panic is not going to help your child. It may even slow down the search.  Take a deep breath. Count to ten or do whatever it takes so you can concentrate on finding your child.

 2. Secure Siblings  If you have other children with you, find someone to watch them. Leave them with another adult in the party or the store manager or another trustworthy adult.

 3. Use Your Voice and Search  Your lost child can't see you, but they may be able to hear you.  Call out, using a calm, not panicky tone. Tell them that everything will be ok and that they should stay put.  You will come and find them. Search your home and check with relatives, neighbors and friends.

 4. Get Help  Notify security guards, the store manager, life guards and other employees.  Large malls, beaches and theme parks often have standard search procedures.

5. Call The Police  If your child isn't found within several minutes, contact the police.   Give your name and location and ask that they send help. Limit access to your home until law enforcement officers arrive and are able to collect evidence

6. Go Public    If there is a public address system, ask that it be used to announce that a child has been lost. You'll get more eyes and ears on your side, and on the remote chance that your child is being abducted, the page may alert others to intervene. It should note the child's first name and appearance but not be directed towards the child.

 7. Give Details   Tell the search party what your child was wearing and carrying and when and where you last saw them.  Give them a complete physical description.

 8. Look Actively   Trace your steps back to where you last saw the child or to a spot that he is drawn to, like the dinosaur exhibit at the museum.

 9. Go National   Request that your child's name and identifying information be immediately entered in the National Crime Information Center Missing Person file.  Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ( NCMEC) at 1-800- THE-LOST to find out what resources are available.  Also call the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Missing and Exploited Children (WCMEC) at 1-800-THE-HOPE.

 Information on Tips for Parents section was taken from Parenting Magazine, August 2002 issue.  By Betsy Rubiner and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Tips for Parents - Be Prepared in case your child gets lost

1. Keep a complete description of your child on hand.

2. Take color photographs of your child every six months. Parents should use their cell phone camera to snap a quick picture of their kid every few weeks and every time they take their kid to a big public place like a park, mall or festival.  That way they will always have the picture w/ them and have an updated version w/ the kids clothing if they need to contact the police if their kid goes missing in a busy place. 

3. Have your dentist prepare and maintain dental charts for your child and be sure they are updated each time dental work is performed

4. Know where your child's medical records are located

5. Arrange with your local law enforcement agency to have your child fingerprinted and keep the fingerprints in a safe and easily accessible place.

6. Keep a DNA sample from your child, like an old toothbrush in a brown envelope licked closed by your child, at room temperature in a dry, easily accessible place that is away from heat. 

 

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