Emergency
Alert System (EAS)
EAS is the
national civil emergency alert system designed to inform the public of
immediate threats to national security, life and property. Employing
warning tones, EAS utilizes the public radio/television and broadcast
system to share information between public safety agencies and the media;
who, in turn, transmit emergency information to the public.
Virginia
Criminal Information Network (VCIN)
VCIN is a
telecommunication system which provides 24-hour access to Virginia law
enforcement agencies to enter and query information regarding an abduction
or any matter dealing with missing children.
Virginia
Department of Transportation (VDOT) Message Boards and Highway Alert Radio
and other VDOT Communication Systems
These systems
are maintained by VDOT. Electronic changeable message signs and radio
systems will be used to disseminate information to the public as they
unitize the highway transportation system. Fixed signs are located on
major highways throughout the state, and portable signs can be placed in
other locations as needed. These signs and radio system could be used to
transmit information to the public regarding a child abduction. The other
communication systems will provide information to Virginia Rest Areas,
Virginia Welcome Centers, truck weigh stations and toll facilities.
Lost Child
Alert Technology Resource (LOCATOR) System
LOCATOR is an
advanced computer system with software that creates posters of missing
children for local, statewide, and national distribution. LOCATOR contains
templates for media notification for agencies having an approved “AMBER
Alert” Plan, which can immediately broadcast information about a missing
child on the radio and television via the EAS.
Virginia
Missing Children Clearinghouse (VMCC)
The
Clearinghouse has the ability to scan photographs and enter information
regarding a lost child into the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children Website.
Public
Utilities’ Communication Systems
Notification of
the major public utilities within the Commonwealth which have
communication systems capable of notifying their field employees when the
Virginia “AMBER Alert” Plan is activated. These utilities include electric
companies, gas companies, etc.
Notification
of a Regional Plan Infrastructure
Notification of
the coordinator of a regional “AMBER Alert” Plan will enable regional
plans to notify all those elements of their respective plans, which have
not been activated by the Virginia “AMBER Alert” Plan.
