Free program aims to protect children

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has formed a partnership with AlertID, a free program to provide families with a secure Web site to provide information about their children in case of an emergency.

Sheriff Ron Pierini said AlertID would enable deputies or other emergency personnel with information to help identify children.

"The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is well known for its proactive approach in keeping children safe," he said. "This new system is the first of its kind and goes far beyond identifying a child after there is a problem.

"It enables parents to store on a secure Web portal information that would be needed should a child become missing, lost or injured. Parents enter their child's photo, profile and basic health information onto the secure portal, and this information is then instantly available to emergency services if ever needed," he said.

Co-founder Keli Wilson was raised in Carson Valley.

"Growing up in Gardnerville helped me appreciate family and the need to protect our children," she said.

"Although AlertID is supported and distributed on a national basis, we are especially pleased to protect children right where I grew up."

AlertID is described as the first system to provide parents with protection and assistance in case their children are lost or injured.

Wilson said it is a private and secure system that instantly provides police, paramedics and hospital staff information they need. AlertID also immediately informs parents and approved friends through text, e-mail and phone if there is a problem.

For information, visiting the AlertID Web site at www.AlertID.com or contact Wilson at Kwilson@alertid.me.