Emergency Quick Reference
Missing Child/Adult:
1-800-843-5678
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Runaway Youth:
1-800-786-2929
National Runaway Safeline
Human Trafficking:
1-888-373-7888
National Human Trafficking Hotline
FBI Tips:
1-800-225-5324
Federal Bureau of Investigation
You do NOT need to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. Call 911 immediately.
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View Scripture ReferencesSomeone Just Went Missing - What to Do NOW
1. Call 911 Immediately
Do NOT wait 24 hours. This is a myth. Report it immediately to local law enforcement.
2. Gather Information
- Recent photo (within last 6 months)
- Physical description (height, weight, hair/eye color)
- What they were wearing
- Last known location and time seen
- Phone records, social media activity
- Medical/mental health information
3. Create Flyers
Use free tools like Canva to create missing person flyers. Include:
- Clear, recent photo
- Name, age, physical description
- Last seen location and date
- Contact information (police case number)
4. Preserve Evidence
Save phone records, social media posts, emails, text messages. Do not touch their room or belongings.
5. Contact These Organizations
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678
- NamUs (National Missing Persons Database): namus.gov
- Local media outlets for coverage
Your Rights as a Family Member
✓ You have the right to file a missing persons report immediately
✓ You have the right to be updated on the investigation
✓ You have the right to request your loved one be entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center)
✓ You have the right to request DNA submission to NamUs
✓ You do NOT need to wait 24 hours to report someone missing
Helpful Online Tools
Flyer Creation
Canva.com →Missing Persons Database
NamUs.gov →Missing Children
MissingKids.org →FBI Tips
FBI.gov →Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about missing persons
Do I need to wait 24 hours to report someone missing?
No. This is a common myth. You can and should report a missing person immediately by calling 911. There is no waiting period required by law to file a missing persons report.
What is the phone number for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children?
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children hotline is 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). This is a 24/7 hotline for reporting missing children and seeking assistance.
What is NamUs and how can it help find a missing person?
NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) is a free national database at namus.gov that helps resolve missing persons cases. You can submit information about your missing loved one and DNA samples to help with identification.
What are my rights as a family member of a missing person?
You have the right to: file a missing persons report immediately (no 24-hour wait), be updated on the investigation, request your loved one be entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center), and request DNA submission to NamUs.
What information should I gather when someone goes missing?
Gather: a recent photo (within 6 months), physical description (height, weight, hair/eye color), what they were wearing, last known location and time seen, phone records and social media activity, and any medical or mental health information.
How do I report human trafficking?
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to report suspected trafficking situations. This hotline is available 24/7 and can connect you with local resources and law enforcement.
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