How to Put Together a Child Safety Kit

Info. can be added to Amber Alert

Children can be abducted or get lost, in a second. Non-custodial parents and other caregivers fail to bring children back from visits, disappearing into what seems to be thin air. Immigrant children are taken back to their home country. Other children fall prey to predators. Having a variety of personal records and other data gathered into a single and easily accessible place could make the difference in getting a child back where they belong quickly and safely. The more time it takes to pull together information, the harder and less likely it may be for the authorities to get to a child in time.

Things You'll Need

• A container that can be sealed, preferably a safe or lock box.
• Dental and medical records
• List of medications
• A hair or fingernail sample
• Large manila envelopes
• Current photographs

Instructions

Data collection

1. 

   Ask your child's dentist for a copy of their dental records. The records can identify a child and is unique to their body. X-rays do not lie and are kept whether there are any cavities or not. As your child grows and their dental records change according to any fillings, crowns, or braces, update the x-rays and other dental information that is on file.

2. 

   Have a full set of fingerprints taken for for your child. Make sure they are done by a police officer. They are trained on the proper way to get the fingerprints to assure they will not be smudged, etc.

3. 

   Clip your child's fingernails and get a good sized hair sample. If you cut, or get your child's hair cut, take or ask for a large clipping. If it is a long lock, you can tie a ribbon around it to keep it from coming apart. Shorter hair can be placed in a small plastic sandwich baggie.

4. 

   If your child has any medical conditions or diseases, make a list of them and any medications they take for the condition such as an inhaler if a child should have asthma or allergies. This can serve as vital information to help authorities locate a missing child.

5. 

   Schools and childcare providers schools could help recognize a child by any special dietary needs they provide.

6. 

   Note any scars, birthmarks, or other skin blemishes and their locations on your child's body. This includes any piercings, tattoos or moles your child may have.

Keeping Everything Together is Paramount

1. 

   All of the aforementioned items that you have gathered need to be kept in one place. You can purchase a locking safe for approximately $40.00. They are a good size for keeping in a closet, under a bed, or in another storage area in your home that can be quickly and easily accessed.

2. 

   If you have more than one child, put each child's records in a separate, large manila envelope before placing it in the safe or other locking container. Write each child's name, birthday, and any nicknames on the outside of the envelope. List what is in the envelope, along with the dates the items were gathered on the outside. This way you do not have to get the items out multiple times if you 'forget' what all is in the envelope. This helps lessen the chances that anything will get lost or contaminated.

3. 

   As your child progresses in age, add a more recent photograph to their envelope.

4. Each time your child has anything done at the dentist's office get a copy of a new x-ray as well as updated records.

Where to Store the Information

1. Store the lock box or other container in an area of your home where it will be easy to find and remember. Suggested storage areas include a closet, dresser drawer or under the bed.

2. 

   Do not store the container near a heating unit, furnace, heating vent or where it will be exposed to straight sunlight for long periods of time. Heat can ruin x-ray film and photographs, and degrade blood or other samples that might contain your child's DNA. Moisture and humidity can also hurt the storage process.

3. 

   Store the container with your child's information in a cool and dry area.

4. 

   Keep the contents of the container between you and a spouse, and perhaps on very close family member like a grandparent in case something should happen to you. If you and your spouse or other partner decide to get a divorce or separate, make a copy for the other person and keeping one for yourself.

5. Since separated or divorced parents may live in other states or cities, both adults should have a copy of the information.

What to do if the Unthinkable Happens

1. If something should happen to your child, calling 911 should be the first step.

2. 

   When the authorities arrive, have the information available. The police can quickly put out an Amber alert, which includes a descripiton of the child's hair color, distinguishing marks and other pertinent information.

3. 

   The local print media, television stations and radio stations and the national media can quickly share photos and medical information, including medications, out to the public.

Tips & Warnings

• A child safety kit makes the process of searching for a child go quickly and smoothly.

• The more information you and the authorities have immediate access to, the better the chances of finding a child, especially in the case of non-custodial parental kidnappings.

• Time is the major thing that can impede progress. A child safety kit puts time and speed on your side and the side of your child and the authorities.

• Your child's head, face, and body changes in size as they get older. Thus the importance of updating dental X-rays

• Do not forget to update medical information if needed. Children get injured playing sports and during other activities. They could break a bone or end up with a new scar.

• Do not forget that a child's hair can darken or lighten with age, or with exposure to sunlight if they spend a great deal of time outdoors.