HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Do you notice alerts on your phone but never know what they are for? Here are some safety alerts you should know about from Alabama’s law enforcement agency:
- AMBER Alerts: Issued when a child under 18 is abducted and believed to be in serious danger.
- Emergency Missing Child Alerts: Issued when a child under 18 is missing and in danger of serious harm.
- Missing Senior Alerts: Issued when a senior citizen with cognitive disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s is missing and at risk of harm.
- Blue Alerts: Issued when a peace officer is missing, injured, or killed in duty, and there’s a serious threat to the public.
ALEA also offers these safety tips:
- Instruct children and babysitters not to give out information about who is home, who is out or for how long.
- Stay on well-lit, populated streets and avoid dark areas where attackers might hide. Avoid shortcuts through alleys and vacant lots, especially when alone.
- Teach children that no one should make them feel uncomfortable or approach them inappropriately. They should tell a parent immediately if someone does.
- If followed, avoid going home. Instead, drive to a police or fire station, or a busy public place.
- Verify the identification of repair people, salespeople, or others at your door. Call to confirm their identity if unsure.
- Be aware of your surroundings and familiarize yourself with regular visitors and strangers.
- Teach children about who they are including their full name, birth date, complete address, phone numbers (including area code), and their caregivers full names.
For more safety tips, visit here.
To receive these critical alerts: Text "ALalerts" to 99411 or visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Community Information Center website.
