The AMBER Alert Child ID Kit (for Summer)!

Because I feel it is so important, I’ve decided to post another article on the Amber Alert program, this time focusing on what’s called the Amber Alert Child ID Kit.

The Kit is not physical in the sense of something you can hold in your hand, at least not all of it. Actually, the kit is USB device, loaded with a software program that was developed to make it easy for parents and guardians to use.

In the event of an emergency, you simply present the USB device to a law enforcement agent and provide them with the password so they can quickly start the process for issuing an Amber Alert.

The process begins when local law enforcement is notified that a child has been abducted. They verify that the abduction meets AMBER Alert criteria. If it does, they will issue an actual AMBER Alert and provides the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) with relevant information to include in the outgoing Alert.

AMBER Alert designed and developed the software using their in-depth experience with the requirements of law enforcement agencies, and by evaluating other ID Kits on the market. Kingston Technology, the worlds leading supplier of memory products, provides the USB device (hardware) for the Child ID Kit.

No one is suggesting that your child will be abducted, go missing or get lost. The possibility exists, however, since “children run a mile a second.” The software was created primarily for emergency situations where time is of the essence, and the more prepared you are (before the fact), the faster law enforcement can proceed with finding your child (after the fact).

The Kingston USB device is only 2.5″ long making it very easy to attach to your key chain to carry with you or keep in a safe place. Also, the device is password protected and encrypted, so if you lose it, no one can access that information without your password and there are no “back doors.” If you forget your password, the Child ID Kit has to be reset and you’ll loose all the information previously stored on it. Hence, it is highly recommended that you remember the password for the Child ID Kit.

Again, when/ if you find yourself in an emergency, you should give the Child ID Kit with the password to the police. The police will then use the information for their investigation and attempt to issue an AMBER Alert.

According to Amber Alert,

“With the Child ID Kit you can easily keep [an] old photo and simply add a newer one, at the same time update the information. Some organizations offer similar devices to the AMBER Alert.com Child ID Kit, for example they will give you an option to send information over the internet (unsecure).

You will need a personal or laptop computer that runs Microsoft Windows, and has an open USB port — these are quite common on most recent computers. Just insert the Child ID Kit (i.e., the USB device) into the port and wait for the software to launch automatically. There is no need to install any software, nor is any internet connection needed. The Child ID Kit has a memory of 512MB, which is large enough to hold up to 100 photos of your child!

Children grow pretty fast, so they recommend you update your child’s information and photos either every six months or once a year on your child’s birthday. And, for those who want to take matters a step further: Under the heading “Support,” they provide ideas that may help you find where to fingerprint, scan or even get DNA samples of your child in your local area!

And, of course, if you’d like to read more, we’ve got more information on the Wireless Amber Alert service provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Thanks for caring!

Amber Alerts Meets SmartPhones

The whole thing begins when local law enforcement is informed that a child has been abducted or has been missing. They verify that the incident meets AMBER Alert criteria. If it does, they will issue an actual AMBER Alert and provides the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) with relevant information to include in the outgoing Alert.

NCMEC formats the AMBER Alert message, sends it electronically to Syniverse who, in turn, passes it onto Wireless carriers. Wireless carriers (like AT&T, Alltel, T-Mobile, Cricket and others) have stepped up and volunteered to send AMBER Alert messages, as text messages, to subscribers like you.

How to Sign Up to Receive Wireless AMBER Alerts:
The best, quickest and easiest way to sign up and receive Wireless AMBER Alerts is to visit this link www.WirelessamberAlerts.org (you’ll see a similar solicitation on the side of the van, pictured just to your right). Once you’re there, just enter your Wireless/ cell phone number. Take a few minutes to skim the Terms and Conditions of the Wireless AMBER Alerts program, press “Accept,” then press “Complete Subscription.”

What’s most important is that you’ll want to enter the zip code for your home or place of employment, because that enables them to send AMBER Alerts for children missing in your specific area. You can enter up to 5 zip codes if you travel extensively, by the way. Oh, you’ll also need to either come up with a password, or have the website assign one for you.

Afterwards, you’ll be officially enrolled in the AMBER Alerts initiative! The Wireless AMBER Alerts service is free, and there is no charge to enroll. You only receive AMBER Alerts for your given area, and if you haven’t already, you might want to think about it this way — you might just help save a life!

How Do I Sign Up, Just Using my Cell Phone?
First, you’ll just text the word AMBER, followed by a space and your five-digit zip code, to 26237. You’ll get a reply confirming your enrollment. Then, if you decide to unsubscribe, just send STOP to 26237.

Again, the Wireless AMBER Alerts service is free, and there is no charge whatsoever to enroll.

Most, not all, wireless customers can register by cell phone.

How Wireless AMBER Alerts Affect Your Phone:
After signing up to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts, you’ll receive a text message welcoming you to the program. Wireless AMBER Alerts come through as text messages, and will appear on your wireless device/ phone the same way as any other text message. Of course, you’ll receive a text message notifying you when a given AMBER Alert is canceled (could either be because the child was found, or for some other reason). Note that one of the most important things you can do to protect your child from abduction is to get the official AMBER Alert Child ID Kit.

I’m not suggesting that your child will be one of 780,000 children each year who are reported abducted, missing or lost. However, in the event the AmberAlert.com Child ID Kit is needed, you’ll have everything you need to help law enforcement get on-task as soon as possible. The kits run about $30, and the kids they protect are priceless.

In the end, rest assured — because you’ll only receive AMBER Alerts from their organization, and only those alerts that apply to missing children in the area in which you enroll.