Emergency category archive

Busting Email Myths and Urban Legends

Like everybody, you’ve undoubtedly received a ton of emails with “safety tips.” Because so many of these tips have been circulating around the Internet for years, the information gets changed and distorted. Some of the tips are bogus–created by someone out to generate a little attention and see how far they can spread the lies.

Michelle Sigona set out to figure out which ones are real and which are myths.

Myths:

  • Entering your ATM PIN Number in reverse will notify police.
  • Your car door can be opened by using a keyless remote pressed at a far away location into a cell phone holding your phone next to your car door.
  • Dialing 112 will connect you to a Worldwide Emergency Operator even if your signal is blocked.
  • Dialing *3370# will unlock hidden battery power in your cell phone.

Realities:

  • In a disaster or emergency when many people are using their cell phones you’ll have an easier time contacting a loved one by text messaging rather than calling.
  • An old cell phone without service will connect to 911 if it has power.

Your Cell Phone Could Save Your Life

We use our cell phones every day to keep in touch with our family, friends, and colleagues. But not everyone is aware that your cell phone could also help to save your life: if you find yourself in an emergency situation, your cell phone might be your only means of getting through to someone who can come to your rescue. Even if you are unable to make a call, your phone can still help. Brittany Cozart, 20, was seriously injured in a plane crash, yet was able to communicate her situation through text messaging and guide her rescuers to her location.

Check out these other articles right here on the AMW Safety Center to learn of other ways your cell phone can help keep you safe:

Should I Have 911 On Speed Dial?

“In Case Of Emergency” Contacts

AMBER Alerts: Make A Difference For Abducted Children


Poster by Rachel Stevenson, winner of 2007 DOJ National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.

The AMBER Alert was created in memory of Amber Hagerman, a nine-year old girl in Arlington, Texas who was snatched from her bicycle and found brutally murdered in a drainage ditch four miles away. A neighbor heard Amber scream and saw a man pull Amber from her bike and speed off in his pickup truck. The neighbor provided police with a description of the suspect and his vehicle. Continue reading AMBER Alerts: Make A Difference For Abducted Children »

You Can Make A Difference For Missing Children


John & Revé Walsh with 2008 National Missing Children’s Award Recipient Special Agent Christopher Haas and his family (wife Cynthia, daughter Gretchen, & son Dylan Haas) (Photo by Bob Bird/NCMEC).

May is always a busy time for me, and that’s especially true this year. It’s the month that includes National Police Week, and it was again my honor to host the National Association of Police Organizations’ annual “Top Cops” awards program in Washington, DC. Meanwhile, at America’s Most Wanted we’ve been hustling to produce a very important episode, marking an amazing milestone: the capture of the 1000th fugitive as a direct result of a viewer tip. Continue reading You Can Make A Difference For Missing Children »

Helping Seniors Stay Safe During An Emergency

During an emergency, seniors are far more vulnerable than other family members because of problems with mobility, remembering medications, and carrying necessary materials. When preparing your family’s emergency action plan, make sure to include your elderly relatives and neighbors. Don’t forget about those living in nursing, assisted living, or retirement homes. Continue reading Helping Seniors Stay Safe During An Emergency »



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