This Social Media Trend Could Help Find You If You Go Missing in Indiana or Kentucky

As a kid, I had this almost irrational fear of being kidnapped from my house. It might sound crazy, but I would actually fall asleep planning where I’d hide if someone broke in to get me.

I’ve shared before how my dad would try to calm me down by teasing me, saying that if someone ever did take me, they’d bring me back right away. Somehow, that made me feel a bit less anxious. Looking back, I realize he was just joking, but it worked, and that’s all that mattered at the time.

I think my fear of being taken stemmed from all those abduction stories I’d see on the news. It’s a scary reality of being out in the world with strangers. While we wish everyone was good, we know that’s not always the case.

Teaching our kids about stranger danger is something we have to prioritize to keep them safe. I remember when my kids were little, they brought home a booklet designed to keep track of important information like their photo, eye color, hair color, fingerprints, and more. It was a great resource in case the unthinkable happened, allowing families to provide this information to authorities to help with the search.

It makes sense for all of us to have something similar to help if we ever go missing—not just kids, but adults too.

What is an “If I Go Missing...” Binder?

Thanks to the popular podcast Crime Junkie, adults are starting to create binders to collect important information in case they go missing. These binders and the concept behind them are going viral.

Take a look at what an “In Case I Go Missing...” binder looks like!

The binders can store crucial information like DNA samples, fingerprints, handwriting samples, dental records, blood type, and medical history. You can also include photos of tattoos, scars, and birthmarks.

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It’s recommended to add all your passwords for websites and apps, along with important documents like birth certificates, licenses, details about current and past relationships, and names of friends, family members, and coworkers. You can even include past addresses and wills—basically anything that could help if the unthinkable happens.

The binders are available on Amazon and Etsy.

[Slate]