If you believe someone is missing, call 911 immediately and notify local authorities. Provide a recent photo and identifying information as quickly as possible.
Local support resources you may contact include:
The Yellow Dot Program is a free safety initiative that helps first responders quickly access critical medical and communication information during a vehicle emergency.
Complete the brochure with personal information relating to medical concerns for each individual that rides in the vehicle. Attach a recent photo of each individual in their respective brochures. Place the completed brochure in the glove compartment.
Place the decal on the lower-left corner of the driver-side rear window.
In an emergency, this helps first responders make fast, more informed decisions, especially for individuals with autism, dementia, communication differences, medical conditions, or other unique support needs.
In Kentucky, this program is available through the Kentucky Autism Training Center.
Click HERE to request your free Yellow Dot Decal packet.
The Big Red Safety Box is a free-of-charge toolkit given to autism families in need as a means to educate, raise awareness and provide simple tools that may assist them in preventing, and responding to, wandering-related emergencies. NAA’s Big Red Safety Box includes the following resources:
1) The Be REDy Booklet containing the following educational materials and tools:
A caregiver checklist
A Family Wandering Emergency Plan
A first-responder profile form
A wandering-prevention brochure
A sample IEP Letter
A Student Profile Form
Emotion Identification Cards
Wandering Quick Tips
2) Two (2) GE Wireless Door/Window Alarms with batteries
3) One (1) RoadID Bracelet or Shoe ID tag*
4) Four (4) Adhesive Stop Sign Visual Prompts for doors and windows
5) One (1) Safety Alert Window Cling for car or home windows
6) One (1) Child ID Kit from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The following national organizations provide education, safety resources, advocacy, and support for individuals and families navigating cognitive and developmental conditions.
Provides rapid response locating technology and training to public safety agencies to assist in locating individuals who wander due to cognitive conditions.
Offers safety toolkits, wandering prevention resources, and advocacy information for individuals with autism and their families.
Provides education, 24/7 helpline support, and wandering prevention resources for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Provides safety toolkits, Big Red Safety Boxes, and wandering prevention education.
Advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and offers family support resources.
Inclusion of these organizations is for informational purposes and does not imply formal affiliation unless otherwise stated.
Creating a safety plan can provide peace of mind and clarity during emergencies. Consider preparing:
Emergency contact list
Medical information summary
Recent photograph file
Identification cards
Sensory or calming support items
OCSL is committed to increasing awareness about wandering prevention and proactive safety measures. Community workshops and educational materials will be added here as they become available.
What is Project Lifesaver?
Project Lifesaver is a rapid response safety program designed to assist individuals who are at risk of wandering due to cognitive conditions such as autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other neurological diagnoses. Participants wear a small personalized transmitter that allows trained responders to locate them quickly in the event of an emergency.
Who qualifies for participation?
Individuals in Ohio County who are at increased risk of wandering due to cognitive, developmental, neurological, or age-related conditions may qualify. Eligibility is determined through the intake and enrollment process.
What should I do if my loved one goes missing?
Call 911 immediately. Provide responders with a recent photo, description, and any identifying information. If enrolled in Project Lifesaver, notify responders that the individual is a participant so trained personnel can activate the appropriate tracking procedures.
Does participation guarantee immediate location?
While no system can guarantee outcomes, Project Lifesaver significantly improves response time and increases the likelihood of a safe recovery by equipping trained responders with specialized locating technology.
Are there other safety measures families should consider?
Yes. Families are encouraged to develop a safety plan, notify trusted neighbors, secure exits when appropriate, maintain updated photographs, and consider additional identification tools. OCSL provides education and guidance to support proactive planning.
How can I support Ohio County Safety Lifeline?
Community members can support OCSL by volunteering, becoming a community partner or sponsor, or making a financial contribution. Visit the Get Involved page for more information.