Why Did My Phone Just Go Off & What Is an Ashanti Alert?

Saturday morning, my husband's weekday alarm accidentally went off super early. I had wanted to sleep in, so I grumbled and fussed and rolled over to go back to sleep. As soon as I drifted back off, the loudest, blaring alert sound went off on both of our phones.

It scared me wide awake, but I remembered where I'd heard that sound before. Severe weather emergencies and Amber Alerts, which are the warnings that are sent out whenever there is a child abduction emergency.  However, when I saw the message, I was surprised. It was an "Ashanti" Alert, but I have never seen one of those before.

What is an Ashanti Alert?

According to the National Ashanti Alert Network, "It authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to establish a national communications network to enable and help facilitate regional and local search efforts for missing individuals who fall outside the scope of other missing person alerts. The legislation aims to encourage, enhance, and integrate the development of Ashanti Alert Plans and enhance communications among participating states, territories, and tribes in locating missing adults. Participation in this effort is voluntary. The act aims to ensure that states, territories, and tribes that are voluntarily implementing an Ashanti Alert Plan have access to guidance and resources."

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Who is the Ashanti Alert Named After?

Signed into law in 2018, the Ashanti Alert Act was created in honor of 19-year-old Ashanti Billie. Her disappearance and death started a nationwide conversation about the need for an alert system for those too old to qualify for an Amber Alert or too young to qualify as an elderly alert.

I have to admit, I've been privileged enough to never need to know that information. I honestly didn't even think about that huge gap in the alert system. It's one of those things you don't realize you need until you need it. I, for one, am very grateful it exists. To learn more about the Ashanti Alert, including activation criteria, visit https://ashanti.bja.ojp.gov/.