Sign up for Amber Alerts through Text Messages

The goal of the Amber Alert program is to notify citizens of missing children that are 17 years old or younger. Once a child is reported missing at the local law enforcement agency they must determine if they meet the guidelines for the recommended criteria. If the missing child meets the guidelines an AMBER Alert is issued and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is then notified. The NCMEC is then responsible for creating the AMBER Alert message and submitting it to the necessary agencies to have it sent electronically. These messages are then sent to wireless carriers that participate in the AMBER Alert initiative who then send them to the cell phone customers as a text message. These messages are only sent to individuals that request the service so it is very important that you opt in to receive these updates. You never know when you may be the person responsible for saving a child.

To date the NCMEC claims to have saved over 260 children. With this great service you will not be flooded with text messages for every AMBER Alert initiated. You will only receive messages from five zip codes of your choice.

Another common misunderstanding about the AMBER Alert text messages is that they will add to your cell phone bill. This is not true when cell phone providers take part in the AMBER Alert initiative they enter into an agreement with the NCMEC the requires them to provide the AMBER Alerts to all who sign up for free. Just make sure your phone is capable and your service provider allows incoming text messages and your amber alerts will not add to your monthly cell phone bill.

Below are the steps to sign up for Amber Alerts through Text Messages:

• Active Cell Phone Service
• Text Message Capable Cell Phone

Step 1

To sign up for Amber Alerts through Text Messages from your cell phone simply text the word AMBER followed by a space and your five digit zip code to 26237.

Step 2

After you have sent the text to sign up for Amber Alerts through Text Messages you will receive a reply confirming your enrollment.

Step 3

Now anytime an AMBER Alert is issued in your Alert areas you will be sent a text message with all vital information regarding the missing child.

Step 4

Once the AMBER Alert is cancelled you will receive another text message advising the AMBER Alert has been cancelled.

Tips & Warnings

• You cell phone number will never be shared. You will only receive AMBER ALERTS that are issued through the NCMEC.
• All incoming messages regarding AMBER Alerts are free of charge.
• If you have any information about a child that is missing please contact your local law enforcement immediately, you could save a life.
• NEVER attempt to confront the individual, always take detailed observations and contact law enforcement as soon as possible. Time is of the utmost importance with missing children.