DIALING UP AMBER ALERTS

Action in the first hours after a child's abduction often determines his or her survival, so Suffolk County wants to bolster the chances of successful recovery through a program that sends information to residents' cellular telephones.  The initiative seeks to expand the 11 year old Amber Alert system, in which bulletins about abducted kids are broadcast on television and radio and on highway signs.  About 260 children have been found this way.

RECEIVING AMBER ALERTS

1. Go to www.wirelessamberalerts.org or the Web site of your cell phone carrier.

2. Submit your cell phone number or the number of other electronic devices, such as a BlackBerry.  Only devices capable of receiving text messages are eligible.

3. Read and accept the terms and conditions of receiving wireless Amber alerts.

4. Complete the free subscription form.

5. Enter ZIP codes for the areas in which you live, work and spend free time.

6. Select a password or have the Web sit assign you one.

SOURCE: The Wireless AMBER Alerts Initiative

(New York)