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Missing kids app encourages parents to track their children’s info in case of emergency

A new app allows parents to keep track of their children's information in event of an emergency situation.
A new app allows parents to keep track of their children's information in event of an emergency situation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A new app, SIGN4L, allows parents to have a complete database of information on their child, should they ever go missing.

It was created by the Missing Children’s Network so parents can share their children’s information with the authorities faster.

READ MORE: Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s father wants Montreal police division dedicated to missing kids searches

“We hope no one ever needs to activate the signal button, but it’s to be used in case of emergency — the child gets lost in a public place, is late coming home or goes missing,” Pina Arcamone, director general of the Missing Children’s Network.

How does it work?

“You photograph your child, you fill his physical attributes, weight, height, colour of eyes, colour of hair, any particular characteristics — scars, allergies — and you save it electronically on your phone,” explained Arcamone.

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WATCH BELOW: Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s family wants police division to search for missing kids

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Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s family wants police division to search for missing kids

The goal is simply to save time — and hopefully save a life.

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READ MORE: Parents urged to communicate with their kids on National Missing Children’s Day

“Parents that find themselves in an emergency situation can send it to the authorities. You don’t have to go home to find an up-to-date photo of your child or, in a state of panic, try to to describe your child,” Arcamone said.

The Missing Children’s Network reminds parents of four crucial steps, if ever their child should go missing:

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  • Call 911
  • Make sure to send an updated profile of your child to the authorities
  • Do a quick search of the neighbouring area
  • If the child’s disappearance is prolonged, call the Missing Children’s Network for added support and assistance

Arcamone is quick to point out that the app does not ask for any personal information, such as where they go to school, so if the phone is lost or stolen, the child will not be put at risk.

READ MORE: Missing Children’s Day: 1,000 tiny steps for missing kids

The app can be downloaded free of charge for both Apple and Android devices.

WATCH BELOW: Talking to our kids about stranger danger

rachel.lau@globalnews.ca

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