Code Amber, The Web's Amber Alert System, Uses Corporate Donations to Provide Free Child Safety Videos to Law Enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Contact: Linda Spagnoli
Director of Communications
772-971-4816
ljs(at)codeamber.org

Mandeville LA - Child safety videos are available free for the asking to Police and Sheriffs' offices from Code Amber and Safety NET Kids. Corporate donations from the Eaton Corporation and Rent-A-Center are funding the give away of hundreds of the potentially life saving presentations.

In the aftermath of Carlie Brucia's devastating kidnapping and murder, two South Florida companies, Rent-A-Center and the Eaton Corporation, contributed funds they had collected to Code Amber. The purpose was to fund a program that would educate children to be aware of their surroundings and how to react in unexpected situations.

After discussing the program with Joe Brucia, Carlie's dad, it was decided that this video be made available to any law enforcement's school resource department. They are now ready for distribution, and available free of charge while supplies last or are replenished by other corporate donations. E-mail requests for the free video to free_video@codeamber.org.

The tragic events leading up to the death of 11 year old Carlie Brucia in Florida angered everyone. The shocking video of her apparent abduction sent wake-up calls to parents and teachers in every corner of the country. How can a child, gripped with fear, respond in a situation like this?

The Safety NET Kids video teaches exactly what a child should do in this situation to avoid abduction. If Carlie had learned these techniques they may have saved her life. Joe Brucia agrees, "As difficult as it is for Carlie's family to see the abduction over and over, we hope it will enourage parents and teachers to discuss it with their children and give them the information they need to survive a lifethreatening situation." Code Amber has fully endorsed the Safety NET Kids video since we first reviewed it in November 2003.

Glenn Olsen, the producer of the video, was surprised at the similarities between his video and the scene of Carlie's abduction that was shown around the world. "It sent chills up my spine," he said. "This is exactly what the video portrays."

The video runs 30 minutes and covers topics such as how to recognize and avoid a dangerous stranger, what to do if a stranger comes to the door or calls while your child is home alone and much more. The video is a series of vignettes with demonstrations of what to do, and what not to do, interspersed with activities and quizzes. Recommended ages are 4 to 11 and it is meant to be watched over and over to reinforce the lessons and recognition of the danger signs.

About Code Amber: CodeAmber.org is the largest provider of Amber Alert broadcasting on the Internet. Started in 2002, Code Amber now reaches over 135,000 Websites and displays over one million news tickers daily. CodeAmber delivers XML feed to major media, government, and wireless phone services. Based in Mandeville, LA, Code Amber last year expanded and now reaches all 50 states as well as Canada. Code Amber works directly with law enforcement and media, and delivers descriptions and photographs to news desks within minutes after an Amber Alert is issued.