A well-written, plain-language Missing Person Alert

A plain language missing person alert

This is a really well-written alert. Let me show you have it conforms to the best guidance we have on how to write an actionable missing person alert.

It begins with the source of the message: VBALERT. This is an acronym (it also appears like a branded alert name), however, at the end of the message we also see the organization clearly named.

This is followed by the incident type (aka hazard from the Warning Response Model). The incident type is named using PLAIN LANGUAGE. It clearly says "missing person." And the additional details about the missing person helps to explain the gravity of the incident and the reason the message was issued.

Then, the alert includes information that will help a message receiver to look for the missing person - her name (useful for approaching a person who may appear afraid or lost), her age, race, gender, weight, and height.

Importantly, the information about the missing person does not end with their physical description, it also includes specific information that shows why she is particularly vulnerable - she has limited eyesight, she does not drive (so she is likely walking), and she does not have a cell phone (no way to reach her or her to reach others). In other words, she does not have a way to contact loved ones and will be reliant on the kindness of others to help find her and get her home.

The alert also includes the location where she was last seen and the date of last contact. The call to action is "if you have any information, please call." However, the additional details about her description makes the message actionable, helping message receivers to look for and locate the missing person.

It I were to offer any additional suggestions, it might be to include a URL that links to a picture of the missing person. It is well constructed, follows the guidance from the Warning Response Model, and uses a plain language approach increasing the likelihood that all message receivers will understand.

AFTERWARD: This blog was written nearly 2 weeks after the alert was issued. Unfortunately, the person was found deceased. The alert remains, in our opinion, well constructed and containing the relevant and actionable information needed to assist in finding the missing person.