DENTON (1080 KRLD) - A new program is helping families prepare to find their missing loved ones ... before they go missing.
Denton police are launching the "Take Me Home" program to help people who need special assistance communicating with first responders, specifically those with Autism, Alzheimer's, Dementia or Down Syndrome.
"It will help with any condition where they might have trouble communicating with first responders," says Amy Cunningham, Public Relations Liaison for the Denton Police Department. "As well as [those conditions that make people] prone to wander from home."
The program is free. Caregivers need only upload the information into the online database to be in the system.
"The caregiver can provide a recent photo, their name, address, physical description, as well as really helpful information like what they like, what they dislike ... are they terrified of lights and sirens, are they scared of dogs ... are they drawn to water ..." Cunningham says.
She says IF the person goes missing, first responders have quick access to resources that could potentially help find them quicker.
The"Take Me Home" program also take stress off of families, Cunningham says, who are already distraught enough without having to tear the house apart in search of a photo of the missing person.
Cunningham says the program is a valuable resource with the capacity to help thousands of people.
"It's very exciting," she says. "This program will absolutely help them have that information provided to us to save a little bit of time and have our first responders help get their loved ones home a little quicker."
For more information about the program, or to fill out the form, click HERE.
