Noor Says NoYour child is lost or missing: what do you do first?
Sources reviewed on November 1, 2026. Based on public advice, see below.
Act right away. In a store, tell the manager or security office, then call the police immediately. At home, search closets, beds and vehicles, and call the police if you can't find your child. In the US, call NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678 after that. Emergency: 911 in the US, 999 in the UK.
What are the steps?
- In a store: notify the store manager or security office. NCMEC says many stores have a Code Adam plan. Then immediately call local police.
- At home: search closets, in and under beds, vehicles including trunks, and anywhere a child might hide.
- Call the police without waiting: 911 in the US, 999 in the UK if a child is at immediate risk.
- In the US, call NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678 after you have reported your child missing to the police.
What will the police ask?
NCMEC says to give your child's name, date of birth, height and weight, plus details like glasses or braces. Tell them when you noticed your child was missing and what your child was wearing. In the US, ask them to enter your child right away in the FBI's National Crime Information Center Missing Person File.
What does your child do when lost?
Teach one rule. NCMEC's wording: "If we are separated and you need help, ask a police officer, a store clerk or a parent with children." Point those people out when you go somewhere new. Let your child practice, for example by asking a clerk where something is.
What should your child know by heart?
NCMEC says children should know their full name, home address and telephone number. For young children, start with your name and your phone number.
What should you have ready?
NCMEC suggests a child ID kit with a recent color photo and details such as age, height and weight. A current photo on your phone is a start. For wider alerts, read what an AMBER Alert is.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait a while before calling?
No. NCMEC says to act immediately if you believe your child is missing, and to call law enforcement at once.
We are in the UK. Who do we call?
GOV.UK's emergency number is 999, or 112. Our source on the steps is American, but the first step is the same: tell staff and call the police.
Keep reading
- What is an AMBER Alert, and what do you do when you get one?
- How do you teach your child to call 911 or 999?
- What do you teach your child if a stranger approaches them?
All topics are in the overview of parents' questions. The big picture is in the guide How do you help keep your child safe? A guide for parents. Want to practice this with your child? That's why the picture book Noor Says No was made.
Sources
Each source was read on November 1, 2026. These organizations are not connected to this site or the book.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Is Your Child Missing?.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Tips for Parents: Safety Scenarios (PDF).
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Tips for Parents: Preventing Abduction (PDF).
- GOV.UK: 999 and 112: the UK's national emergency numbers.
This is general information, not a replacement for professional help. Worried about a child? In the US, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. In the UK, call the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000. Immediate danger: call 911 or 999.
