I was looking at a website for missing and exploited children one day when I came across some statistics outlining the profile of what the average abducted child looks like.  I was shocked.
 

Being a retired 911 dispatcher and having a husband that is a Captain for a local Fire Department, we knew first hand that as frightening as this fact is, it is a reality.  The news alone announces attempted "luring" of both female and male children throughout the state and country on a weekly or daily basis. 
 

My first thought was to get my oldest daughter a cell phone.  This put my mind at ease for the 10 minutes it takes her to walk to or from school....temporarily.  I was haunted by a vision of a predator waiting to tackle her from behind and her not being able to grab her phone or dial for help.  Think about it:  how fast could you dial 911?  Plus with cell phones, 911 takes time to pinpoint your location. You would have to be able to dial, yell where you are, what is happening, AND fight off an attacker....that seems like a lot for a child or an adult.
 

I then contacted the State Patrol and spoke to an Amber Alert Instructor for 911 Communications who made a simple suggestion: "Get her a whistle."
 

Wonderful idea.  I actually knew of a toy whistle she had in her drawer.  Problem solved.
 

Everyday, I would ask Amanda if she had her whistle with her.  She had either forgot it, had to dig for it in her backpack, or misplaced it.  Ugh!!
 

Kids really think they are invincible and nothing could ever happen to them.  We know better.
 

What could I do to get her to be more thoughtful about having her whistle?
 

Kids of all ages like to have a little "bling-bling."  How about a fashionable accessory children would want and remember to wear...with a whistle!