Silver Alert: A Guide for Seniors and Their Loved Ones

A Silver Alert is a public notification system that assists in locating missing seniors or individuals with cognitive impairments who may be at risk of bodily harm or injury. These alerts are typically activated when the individual meets certain criteria, such as being 65 years of age or older and exhibiting disorientation or confusion.

Types of Silver Alerts

There are two primary types of Silver Alerts:

• Level 1 Silver Alert: This alert is issued when an at-risk senior is missing and there is no immediate danger.
• Level 2 Silver Alert: This alert is issued when an at-risk senior is missing and there is an immediate danger to their safety.

How to Activate a Silver Alert

If you believe a senior is missing and meets the criteria for a Silver Alert, you should contact the local law enforcement agency immediately. The following information will be necessary to activate an alert:

• Name and description of the missing person
• Date and time the person went missing
• Location where the person was last seen
• Vehicle information (if applicable)
• Any other relevant information that may assist in locating the person

How Silver Alerts Work

Once a Silver Alert is activated, law enforcement agencies will work in conjunction with the media and community to spread the word about the missing person. Public announcements may be made through television, radio, and social media. Flyers and posters may also be distributed.

How to Help Find a Missing Person

If you come across a person who appears to be lost or confused, it is important to approach them cautiously. Do not approach them directly, as this may frighten them. Instead, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with the following information:

• Location of the person
• Description of the person
• Any other relevant information

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are some common mistakes that people often make when dealing with a Silver Alert:

• Ignoring the alert: If you see or hear a Silver Alert, do not ignore it. Even if you do not know the person who is missing, you may have information that could assist in their safe return.
• Approaching the person directly: If you come across a person who you believe is lost or confused, do not approach them directly. Call 911 or your local law enforcement agency instead.
• Spreading false information: It is important to only share accurate information about the missing person. Do not spread rumors or speculate about their whereabouts.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

If you are a senior or know someone who is, it is important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Create a Safety Plan

Develop a safety plan that includes where you will go and who you will contact in the event that you become lost or confused. Share this plan with your family and friends.

2. Carry Identification

Always carry some form of identification with you, such as a driver's license or a medical ID bracelet. This will help law enforcement identify you if you are found lost or confused.

3. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to where you are going. If you become lost or confused, try to stay calm and retrace your steps.

4. Call for Help

If you are lost or confused, do not hesitate to call for help. Call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.

Pros and Cons of Silver Alerts

Pros:

• Can help locate missing seniors quickly
• Raises awareness of the issue of missing seniors
• Provides peace of mind to families and caregivers

Cons:

• Can be disruptive to communities
• May not be effective in all cases
• Can be costly to implement

Statistics on Silver Alerts

According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), there were over 70,000 missing persons cases in the United States in 2021. Of these cases, over 10,000 involved individuals aged 65 or older.

The Silver Alert program has been credited with helping to locate and return numerous missing seniors to safety. According to the National Silver Alert Program, over 1,000 missing seniors have been successfully recovered thanks to the program.

Table 1: States with Silver Alert Programs

Table 2: Types of Silver Alerts

Table 3: How to Activate a Silver Alert