If you are like me, this is something you really don’t want to think about. I would imagine that a missing child is the most terrifying thing possible for a parent. As I sit down to write this, I wonder if this is even something I want to bring up. But being prepared, even for the unthinkable, is important.

The FBI has an app that allows you to store photos and vital information about your children.

The Child ID app—the first mobile application created by the FBI—provides a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information about your children on your smartphone (note: no information is stored or collected by the FBI). In the event your child goes missing, users can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers such as height and weight to security or police officers on the spot. Using a special tab on the app, users can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities.

The app also includes tips on keeping children safe, as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after a child goes missing.

An important note from the FBI site: The FBI is not collecting or storing any photos or information that you enter in the app. All data resides solely on your mobile device unless you need to send it to authorities. Please read your mobile provider’s terms of service for information about the security of applications stored on your device.

Paul Bergman
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