There have been high profile missing persons cases making headlines lately. The Ayla Reynolds case remains unsolved, and another one is 12-year-old Micah Thomas, the missing boy from Dresden who was found safe and sound after a night alone in the woods.
These cases prompted us to ask the Maine Warden Service about proper steps to take if you discover a friend or loved one is missing. Game Wardens say if you suspect someone is missing, you should do an initial search of your own, and if you can’t find that person within 15-30 minutes you should call 9-1-1. That gets the process started. Police will call the Warden Service if someone is believed to be missing in the woods.
http://liarcatchers.com/missing_persons_investigations.html
Lt. Kevin Adam coordinates the Maine Warden Service Search and Rescue Division, and he says the biggest thing this time of year is to be prepared, especially if you are planning outdoor activities.
“Tell somebody where you are going, and when you plan to be back. Make sure you’re prepared for the weather, and look at the long range forecast, because it could be sunny during the day but that night it might rain, or this time of the year snow, and stick to your plan,” Adam said.
Lt. Adam says the Warden Service typically finds missing people within 12 hours, and that’s why it’s important to contact authorities after 15-30 minutes of your own searching to get the process started as quickly as possible.
