Yesterday, we had two occasions at the Met where children became separated from their parents/guardians.  Whenever you go to a populated event/shopping center we have two suggestions that will be helpful if your children become separated from you:
 
1.  Use a camera phone or camera and take a picture of the children showing what they are wearing that day.  That picture will save precious time as we can send pictures by e mail or text to other members of the Department and it removes any guess work or speculation as to what the children look like and what they are wearing.  It also means we will not have to obtain a full description from a parent who is understandably upset.  
 
2.  Write your name and cell phone number on a piece of paper and put it into one of the pockets of your child’s clothing.  If we make contact with a separated child, and have not been contacted by the adult they came with, having a name and phone number will help us contact the adult by phone or public address system.  If the child is old enough to understand, tell them why the paper is in their pocket and that they should show it to a policeman, fireman, or security officer if they get separated.