Maryland Amber Alert: A Guide to Staying Informed and Protecting Our Children

Introduction

An Amber Alert is a nationwide system designed to quickly and effectively notify the public when a child has been abducted or is missing under circumstances that may pose an immediate threat to their safety. In Maryland, the Amber Alert system is managed by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Maryland State Police.

Activation Criteria

An Amber Alert is activated when all of the following criteria are met:

1. A child under the age of 18 has been abducted or is missing.
2. There is a reasonable belief that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.
3. Sufficient descriptive information about the child, the abductor, and the vehicle used in the abduction (if available) is available.

How to Receive Amber Alerts

The Maryland Amber Alert system uses a variety of methods to notify the public, including:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): WEAs are text messages that are sent to all mobile devices in an affected area.
• Broadcasting on Local Media: Amber Alerts are broadcast on TV and radio stations throughout the state.
• Social Media: Amber Alerts are posted on official social media accounts, such as @MD_MEMA on Twitter and Maryland Emergency Management Agency on Facebook.
• EMA Alerts: Residents can sign up for free email and SMS alerts from MEMA at https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807735350095/login.

What to Do When You Receive an Amber Alert

1. Pay attention to the details: Read or listen to the alert carefully and note any information provided about the child, the abductor, and the vehicle.
2. Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity or sightings that match the description from the alert.
3. Call 911: If you see the child or the abductor, or have any information that may help locate them, call 911 immediately.
4. Spread the word: Share the Amber Alert on social media and with your family and friends. The more people who are aware of the alert, the better the chances of the child being located.

Benefits of Amber Alerts

Amber Alerts have proven to be a valuable tool in recovering abducted children. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC):

• Since its inception in 1996, the Amber Alert system has helped recover over 850 children.
• In Maryland, Amber Alerts have been issued for over 150 children and have resulted in the recovery of nearly 50 abducted children.

Why Amber Alerts Matter

Every child deserves to be protected and returned home safely. Amber Alerts are a crucial way to:

• Raise immediate public awareness of missing children.
• Increase the chances of apprehending abductors.
• Provide parents and the community with peace of mind knowing that everything possible is being done to find their child.

How to Protect Your Child from Abduction

While Amber Alerts are an important tool, there are also steps you can take to help protect your child from abduction:

• Talk to your child: Explain to your child what an abduction is and what to do if they are approached by a stranger.
• Teach stranger danger: Tell your child to never talk to or go anywhere with a stranger without your permission.
• Supervise your child: Always supervise your child, especially in public places.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to the people and vehicles around you, especially when you are in a crowded area.
• Report suspicious activity: If you see something suspicious, report it to the police or a trusted adult.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if I don't receive an Amber Alert on my mobile device?

Check your phone settings to ensure that WEAs are enabled. You can also sign up for email and SMS alerts from MEMA at https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807735350095/login.

2. What if I have information about a missing child but it doesn't match the details in the Amber Alert?

Call 911 immediately and provide the information you have. Any information, no matter how small, could be helpful in finding the child.

3. How long do Amber Alerts stay active?

Amber Alerts remain active until the child is found or until the specific information provided in the alert becomes outdated.

4. Can I share Amber Alerts on social media?

Yes, sharing Amber Alerts on social media can help increase public awareness and increase the chances of the child being located.

5. What if I have more questions about Amber Alerts?

Visit the Maryland Emergency Management Agency website at https://mema.maryland.gov/ or contact MEMA at 800-375-6655.

Conclusion

Amber Alerts are an essential tool in protecting our children from abduction and keeping our communities safe. By staying informed, being alert, and taking steps to prevent abduction, we can all help to ensure the safety and well-being of Maryland's children.

Tables

Table 1: Amber Alert Criteria

Table 2: Amber Alert Recovery Statistics

Table 3: Amber Alert Resources