On Friday the Pennsylvania State Police recognized “Amber Alert Awareness Day.”

 

Amber Alert, the national early warning notification system for abducted children, marks its 21st year.

 

It was created as a legacy to Amber Hagerman, 9, who was abducted near her Texas home on January 13, 1996.

 

Her body was found four days later in a creek less than five miles from where she went missing.

 

Corporal Adam Reed, the Public Information Officer for PSP, said “we have nearly 90 Amber Alert rescues and saves as a result of the system when you see an amber alert on tv or your phone or over the radio is to take it seriously- these Amber Alerts are highly vetted and we at the state police don’t put the information out unless its verified and for real”

 

Police stressed the importance of teaching children about abduction safety. 

 

They recommend talking to kids about stranger danger, ensuring they know how to dial 9-1-1, and using role-playing scenarios to help children learn to recognize and respond to risky situations. 

 

Parents are also urged to keep a child identification kit, which includes a recent color photo and descriptive details such as age, height, and weight.