It will now be easier to alert the public about people who have gone missing thanks to a new endangered missing alert system in place.
The system was launched because previously there was no way of quickly notifying the public about a missing or endangered person who isn't a minor. Amber alerts are only issued when a child seventeen or younger is believed to be missing or in danger, this new system will cover adults not served by amber alerts.
The system officially started on Monday, and Governor Pete Ricketts says although the EMA system is similar to amber alerts, there are some big differences. "It's not just gonna be broadcast to everybody's phone, so you actually have to go out and sign up to be able to get the alerts, and the alerts will be regional. So, if you're in the panhandle and you've got somebody who's missing, you're probably not gonna hear about that on your alert if you're in Omaha, for example."
Ricketts says the advisory will help inform the public of missing persons who may be in danger for a number of reasons. "When we're looking at these different factors, it should be related to age, health, mental or physical disability, environment, weather conditions or if the person is in the company of a potentially dangerous person."
If interested in signing up for these alerts, you can do so at the Nebraska State Patrol's website here.