http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=7618737
Amber Alert Message, No Matter How You Get It, Could Save a Child's Life
Posted: Jan 13, 2008 09:26 PM CST
Omaha (KPTM) -- Amber alerts helped Nebraska families reunite twice in 2007 following potentially dangerous situations.
State leaders consider the alerts a critical tool, and they want to raise awareness about the program. Sunday marked national amber alert awareness day.
The program is 11 years old and is used in all 50 states. Authorities have recovered more than 350 children during that time.
"It really asks and depends on the public to be the eyes and ears for the family and law enforcement, because they can't be everywhere," Said Kelly Jolkowski of Project Jason.
Jolkowski's son, Jason, disappeared 6 years and seven months ago Sunday.
She runs a non-profit group aimed at helping families with missing children.
"Today's parents need to teach kids about awareness, situations, and actions," Said Jolkowski
The state uses many mediums when an alert is issued. That includes highway message boards, the media, and even lottery outlets.
"The reason we're involved is we have almost 12-hundred retailers," Said Brian Rockey, Marketing Director for the Nebraska Lottery.
The state lottery became involved with the program in 2002. Outlets are able to give customers information, and get more eyes looking for the missing child.
"They're able to post messages, print it out for their customers. This display would read amber alert. It's just one more way to get the word out," Said Rockey.
The latest way to get the word out is cell phones. Its called a wireless amber alert, and its just a simple text message. But that message could save a child's life.
You can sign up to receive wireless amber alerts for your phone, online. There is no charge, and you'll only receive information about alerts in your area.