• Home
  • Get A Quote
    • Annuities
    • Automobile
    • Bonds
    • Business & CommercialImage of right arrow
      • Commercial Auto Insurance Quote
      • General Liability Quote Form
      • Business Owners (BOP) Quote Form
      • Builders Risk
      • Liquor Liability Quote Form
      • Workers Compensation Quote
    • Dental
    • Farm
    • Flood
    • HealthImage of right arrow
      • Health Insurance Quote
      • Disability Insurance Quote
      • Long Term Care Insurance Quote
    • HomeownersImage of right arrow
      • Homeowners Insurance Quote
      • Homeowner Flood Quote Form
    • LifeImage of right arrow
      • Life Insurance Quote
      • Term Life Insurance Quote
    • Motorcycle
    • Pet Insurance
    • Recreational Vehicle
    • Renters
    • Travel
    • Trucking
    • Vision
    • Watercraft & Boat
  • Customer Service
    • AutomobileImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Auto Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Auto Policy
      • Send Declaration and Coverages Information to Lien Holder
      • Add Vehicle to Existing Auto Policy
      • Remove Vehicle from Existing Auto Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Auto Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Auto Policy
      • Auto & Home Coverage Checklist
    • Business & CommercialImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Commercial Auto Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Commercial Auto Policy
      • Add Vehicle to Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Remove Vehicle from Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Request General Liability Certificate of Insurance
    • Flood
    • Health
    • HomeownersImage of right arrow
      • Request Declaration and Coverages for Existing Homeowners Insurance Coverage
      • Request Evidence of Insurance
      • Home & Auto Coverage Checklist
    • Life
    • MotorcycleImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Motorcycle Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Motorcycle Policy
      • Add Motorcycle to Existing Policy
      • Remove Motorcycle from Existing Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Motorcycle Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Motorcycle Policy
    • Other
    • Recreational VehicleImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Recreational Vehicle Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Recreational Vehicle Policy
      • Add Recreational Vehicle to Existing Policy
      • Remove Recreational Vehicle from Existing Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Recreational Vehicle Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Recreational Vehicle Policy
    • Renters
    • Vision
    • Watercraft & BoatImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Watercraft Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Watercraft Policy
      • Add Watercraft to Existing Policy
      • Remove Watercraft from Existing Policy
      • Change Primary Operator on Existing Watercraft Policy
  • Claims
    • Automobile
    • Business & Commercial
    • Flood
    • Homeowners
    • Motorcycle
    • Renters
    • Watercraft & Boat
  • Blog
  • Make a Payment
  • Resources
    • Secure File Area
    • Refer a Friend
    • Important Links
    • Important Files
    • Insurance Glossary
  • About Us
    • About Etler-Kettenacker Agency
    • Location Map
    • Employee Directory
    • Partners
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Newsletter
Logo
Home > Blog > A Parent's Guide to Amber Alerts
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

A Parent's Guide to Amber Alerts



It’s every parent’s worst nightmare - your child. Missing.

Not too far from Cincinnati, in Indiana, the Indiana State Police have issued two Amber Alerts in the past two days. That is highly unusual for our Western neighbors, according to Andre Clark, Program Director for Missing Children and the Amber and Silver Alert programs. Nevertheless, these alerts have heightened parent anxiety everywhere.

With the recent days' history in mind, it's helpful to know the ins and outs of Amber Alerts, in order to be prepared on what to do:
What is an Amber Alert?
  • An Amber Alert is when law enforcement agencies immediately alert the public, typically via television, radio and social media, when a "qualifying" child abduction is confirmed.
Understanding Amber Alerts _ Indy's ChildStatewide text alerts like this one are automatically issued in the event of an Amber Alert.
What is a “qualifying" abduction?
  • A child under the age of 18.
  • The child must be believed to be abducted and in serious danger. This determination is made by the local law enforcement agency and then communicated to the State Police.
  • There must be enough descriptive information to communicate to the public, such as a description of the child as well as information about their last known whereabouts, possible abductor and any vehicles involved.
  • A law enforcement agency must make a request to the State Police to issue an Amber Alert.
How is the public notified?
  • The Federal Communications Commission’s policy is that everyone receives Amber Alerts unless they choose to opt out. Indiana only issues statewide alerts, so unless you have selected not to receive them, all Indiana residents’ phones should have gone off twice in the last few days, according to Clark.
  • Alerts are also communicated out to news agencies, posted on digital roadway signs and highlighted by social media sites like Facebook.
What is the purpose of the Amber Alert?
  • Andre Clark says, “The purpose is to make the public the eyes and ears of law enforcement.”
  • The expectation of the State Police is that if you see the people or vehicle mentioned in the Amber Alert, you will call local law enforcement or 1-888-58AMBER and report the information. “Any lead is a good lead,” said Clark.
Why do Amber Alerts work?
  • “The Amber Alert program is one of the most effective programs ever designed by the Federal government,” says Clark. Why? Because the public is always concerned about the well-being of children.
  • Time equates to distance, Clark explained, so the immediacy of the Amber Alert is crucial for its success.
What is the role of the State Police?
  • The State Police issues the Amber Alert within one hour of an agency providing them the information.
  • They also offer assistance and support with the investigation - including additional manpower - upon the request of the requesting agency.
  • They cooperate with other agencies such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

If an Amber alert happens in Ohio, exercise caution but do not panic. Make sure you know your child's whereabouts at all times, and be sure to teach them basic safety practices. Here is one instance where smartphones and social media can help.

Sources: Andre Clark, Program Director 1 with the State Police, Missing Children and Amber and Silver Alerts, Ohio Amber Alert Advisory.

Posted 11:00 AM

Tags: amber alerts, child safety, kid safety, parents, parent issues, family
Share |


NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2023
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011

  • insurance(49)
  • car insurance(29)
  • auto insurance(22)
  • safety(21)
  • homeowner's insurance(19)
  • save money(15)
  • policy(15)
  • insurance agent(13)
  • life insurance(11)
  • distracted driving(9)
  • deductible(9)
  • kids(8)
  • safe driving(8)
  • coverage(8)
  • cars(8)
  • pedestrian safety(7)
  • safeco(7)
  • premium(7)
  • homeowner's policy(7)
  • insurance policy(7)
  • home(6)
  • taxes(6)
  • texting while driving(6)
  • auto(6)
  • car(6)
  • fall(6)
  • summer(6)
  • technology(5)
  • kid safety(5)
  • liability(5)
  • homeowner(5)
  • flood insurance(5)
  • travel insurance(5)
  • homeowners insurance(5)
  • family(5)
  • spring cleaning(5)
  • back to school(5)
  • car safety(4)
  • self-driving car(4)
  • car seat safety(4)
  • small business(4)
  • car accident(4)
  • home insurance(4)
  • car seats(4)
  • driving(4)
  • road hazards(4)
  • online shopping(4)
  • halloween(4)
  • shopping(4)
  • tax season(4)

View Mobile Version
Social Social Social
7588 Central Park Blvd., Suite 219 | Mason, OH 45040
P: 513-984-0404 | F: 513-984-4347 | E: rachel@ekagency.com

Powered by Insurance Website Builder