What is a Child Safety Kit?

Children have grand imaginations and really enjoy to explore the world around them with every chance they can get. If you are not constantly keeping an eye on them their imagination could potentially draw them away from your side in a grocery store, a park, or a shopping mall. The young adventurer may not be aware of the separation until it is much too late and their ability to comprehend new surroundings or to describe their parents well has not quite developed yet. This can make it very difficult for the person who may be trying to help your child as they have no facts to go off of. Some other, not-so-innocent ways a child may go missing is an abduction, purposefully running away, or they may get caught up in some unhealthy relationships and have no way of contacting you. These are all scenarios that are best to hope they never happen. Yet, since there is never a way of predicting what life may throw at your feet, it is wise to think on the most terrible possible outcomes for the sole purpose that you may ultimately be prepared as to how to step in and bring your precious one back home. That’s why it is important to have a child safety kit.

People go through so many changes physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally throughout their lives. There are few traits that continue as permanent features. It is these that are most important to focus on when describing your child for a missing person report. If you stick to certain traits that are permanent and most distinguishable the possibility of quickly finding your child will skyrocket. Between the technology of today, the willingness and capability of the local authorities, mixed with your intimate knowledge of your child will make your search virtually unstoppable.

During terrible circumstances, it may be difficult to think clearly. There are endless emotions, chaotic situations around you, and multiple frames of mind that have the potential to whirl you around like a strong tornado. This causes utmost difficulty in remembering even what should be the most obvious details about your own flesh and blood. In order to prevent a clouded mind from inhibiting you and your child reuniting, the Child Safety Kit records the most pertinent information about your child. Having these details on record will not only speed up the time of finding your beloved child but may actually save their life!

The primary contents of a typical Child Safety Kit are the records of your child’s full name, a DNA sample, birthdate, age, sex, ethnicity, fingerprints, blood type, eye color, hair color, height, weight, any distinctive features, the child’s doctor’s contact information, any emergency contact information of close family or friends, and the most recent colored photo of your child as possible. Of course, you may add other aspects to this safety package. These are the most basic and necessary for a thorough and professional search for your child as humanly possible. There is no reason for any barricades when it comes to finding your child, so if you record as many unique descriptions as possible so that you may fully capture their full essence the reuniting process will be a fraction of the time for sure.

A very important aspect to consider is to whom you will submit this vital information about your child. There are many people or organizations that do not have yours or your child’s best interest in mind. They could create a scam that would take your child away instead of being activists for the secure wellbeing of your kid. It is crucial to do your research and poke around a bit into the background and reputation of not only the organization that you hand over this information to but also the individuals who will be processing the records. All of these particulars on your child’s characteristics should be cared for with the most precautionary conduct.

There are two ways that you may obtain this possible life-saving kit. You may either put together your own homemade version or locate a local provider who could have it available for free or at a low price for purchase. Your local authorities should either have these kits available or at the very least be able to point you in the direction of where to find one. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is certain to hold these kits in their offices. Anyone who inquires for a Child Safety Kit is handed one free of charge. It would be wise to keep up to date, through your local police station, with up and coming events, conferences or workshops having anything to do with keeping your child safe, but most importantly on the Child Safety Kit. In these events, you may learn how to take and store fingerprints and DNA. The better preserved these two are, the more effective they will be if the unfortunate event of your child going missing occurs. In addition to this, these gatherings are the ideal place to ask for forms that will assist you in updating your child’s safety kit if any details have changed, expanded, or are no longer applicable.

If you decide that your best plan of action is to put together your own kit, then you will need some very specific materials. Each specific trait has its own tools necessary to properly and clearly record your child’s vital characteristics.

When putting this report on paper it is important to consider the type and quality of the paper you are using. Although it is not necessary to have the best quality, the longevity of more durable paper may prove as worthwhile as it will withstand the test of time and be ready to reveal the necessary information clearly and in due time. The data that needs to be written is as follows:

• Full Given Name – It must be written in the same way that is recorded on their Birth Certificate with their first, middle, and last name clearly printed.
• Nicknames – This may be a tricky one since some children won’t answer to these endearing names unless it is a parent or close loved one calling them. However, if the people who are assisting in the search for your child knows these names your child may be able to associate this intimate nickname with a safe voice even if the face is strange and unknown.
• Birthdate – This may be written out and/or shown by including a copy of your child’s birth certificate. Be sure that you are writing the numbers of the date in the proper order (for example mm/dd/yy). To avoid all confusion you may write out the month and day completely.
• Age – This holds the same stipulations as the birth date.
• Height & Weight – These measurements may be taken in various types of units. Check with your local authorities as to which unit they are most accustomed to using or simply make the unit very clear so it will make the process of translating the measurements smooth and seamless.
• Hair & Eye Color – Some children may have dyed hair or they may be wearing colored contacts to distort the true features. It is possible for hair and eyes to lighten when exposed to excessive amounts of light, to darken when lacking light or with the natural progression of maturity their features may change drastically. Keep this in mind when you first submit this information so that you may stay attentive to the times you need to go back and update these necessary descriptions.
• Sex – A child’s gender is not always recognizable at first glance and they may potentially be in a situation where they are unable to respond in any way shape or form. What may seem to be simple and unnecessary information very well could become the intimate detail to confirm your child’s identity.
• Ethnicity – This world is ever growing and is becoming a giant melting pot. With every new generation, it is becoming more and more difficult to distinguish people’s heritage. The more specific with the bloodline from both parents’ families the more understanding there will be if it ever comes time to search for your child.
• Blood Type – Checking for and recording your child’s blood type could save their life if they are found in a dangerous situation, for each type requires various ways of being cared for.
• Unique Features – Any tiny detail that you can see or think of would greatly increase the probability and capability of successfully encountering your missing child. Anything that you add, large or small, will be helpful in some way, shape, or form. Some examples include glasses, contact, braces, piercings, birthmarks, missing or deformed limbs or appendages, tattoos, hair dye, etc.
• Doctor Contact Information – Your child’s doctor will have all up-to-date medical information pertaining to your child. They may also have the best insight as to how to treat your child if the unfortunate event occurs that they are found in threatening circumstances. If for some reason you are in between doctors at the moment, the best information to record is that of your child’s most recent physician until all of their information is transferred over to the new Pediatrician’s office files.
• Emergency Contacts – It is no small decision when it comes time to choose the people in your life who will share the responsibility of caring for your child no matter how small the task. Choose wisely and take your time to choose people you trust within your closest circle of family and friends to step up to the plate for your child when the moment becomes absolutely necessary. A very important option to consider would be to talk through all expectations and implications you have of your child’s emergency caregivers with whom you deem worthy of this important title. This person may or may not be willing or able to follow through with all that you expect of them. This misunderstanding could cause dramatic challenges if it comes about as a surprise to your chosen emergency contact in the event of a dramatic predicament occurring simultaneously. Clear and direct communication is always a key to maintaining safety.

For the detailed information that requires unique material, you may need to pay even closer attention to what is expected to be provided and what are the best ways to present them within this Child Safety Kit. In order to be sure that you are not forgetting anything contact your local police station.

• Fingerprints – This is a very detailed feature on every single human being and needs extra precaution when putting it to paper. The small lines on each finger needs to be seen in order to have a clear and effective reading that will connect these prints to your child. Find black ink, the best quality will have the clearest outcome, but any kind will do just fine. Create or find a formatted template on firm paper that labels each finger appropriately to carefully press each inked finger to. Slip this page into some type of plastic sleeve in order to preserve and protect the clarity of this identifiable information.
• DNA Sample – You may only need one type of sample, but by including multiple kinds of samples you are covering the grounds for any mishaps that may occur. Some easy findings of DNA samples would come from a toothbrush, a lock of hair, a recently used bandage, or even a urine sample. The organization to which you release this information may determine which variable(s) that you choose to turn in. Capture the chosen DNA sample type in a securely sealed plastic container or a reliable Ziploc bag to keep the contents fresh and ready for reading when the time becomes necessary.
• A Recent Colored Photo – Children grow and change quickly and often. This may be one of the most frequent changes to make to your child’s safety kit. It is important to be sure no hair or clothing is not obstructing the view of all their facial features, even to their ears. It may be proven to be helpful to include a family photo or a portrait of some well-known family members in order for your child to clearly connect a possible stranger in search of them to a reassured mindset that they are in safe hands.

What are the Steps to Take if my Child Goes Missing?

In the terrible event that your child goes missing, it is most important to keep a clear mind and steady countenance. This may help you give the most pertinent information to the authorities. Although we hope this is never an experience you need to have in your lifetime, these are very useful steps that may prepare you more than you currently anticipate.

1. As your first plan of action immediately call 911 and speak with the local emergency department.
2. Make it clear that the person missing is a child so a proper Amber Alert may be sent out to the necessary authorities and locations.
3. Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
4. Call the organization called The Lost which provides a larger network of contacts to step in and be a part of the search for your child. Their main telephone number is 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
5. Once you have given these organizations and the local authorities all vital information it is crucial for the steadiness of this process for you to take a step back and not interfere with this process. Trust in the ability and professionalism of the people helping you out and allow them to do the job that was allocated to them.
6. Find a task, activity, project, or any alternative focus that will help you direct your time and energy in a different direction and hopefully find some sort of peace amongst this chaotic and painful situation.

Ways of Preventing Abductions

So many technological devices have been created worldwide that are specifically designed towards the safety and well-being of your child. Take the time to do the proper research for the devices that best suit you and your child with the daily circumstances that you face. Wearable GPS devices are a recent and popular device that has been manufactured by multiple companies and each one has very distinctive features carefully designed in every detail. Look up reviews and the manufacturer’s descriptions to be sure which device is perfect for keeping your child as safe as possible. An often overlooked yet simple way to prevent abductions is by gating your property, espicially if your child is prone to wandering off. Our retractable gates are an easy way to keep your child within certain areas of your yard for both safety and peace of mind.

This may appear to be an overwhelming amount of information to take in. If you need to, take it in small bites so that you don’t lose any vital details. Each of these aspects will play a specific role in the safety and wellbeing of your dear child. The details of a child may be tricky to portray because of all the variables that surround them in time, character, and in their own personal intimate design. By recording and safe-keeping this information you are providing your child with a safety net that they deserve if any unwanted tragic circumstances should rise up to meet them through their life’s journey. Be wise with the security of your child and purchase or create your Child Safety Kit today.