What is an Ian Alert? KSP shares what you should know

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police is sharing what you should know if you receive an Immediate Alert Notification, or IAN Alert.

An Ian Alert is a statewide network designed to help find missing children with developmental disabilities. These include those with autism spectrum disorder, who are prone to wandering.

Officials are sharing what to know and what you can do if you receive this alert on your phone.

Kentucky State Police public affairs officer trooper Katan Parker explained the different alerts, saying, “The Golden Alert actually is for older adults that have maybe a cognitive impairment or a mental impairment of some sort. And then the Ashanti Alert are for adults who might be in danger or have been abducted. And then we have for children, Amber Alert is for just, anything, any child. But then the Ian Alert is for kids that have autism. ”

If you hear an Ian Alert go off, officials are actively searching for a child, and it is important to remain vigilant. According to the National Autism Association, drowning is among the leading causes of death of individuals with autism, so time is critical.

Your awareness in this type of emergency could save a life. To learn more, click here.