What to Do When Someone Goes Missing

When a loved one goes missing, fear and panic are natural reactions. But taking swift, organized action in the first hours can significantly impact the outcome. Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT need to wait 24 hours to report a missing person. If you believe someone is missing and in danger, contact law enforcement immediately.

Start by calling 911 or your local police department. Provide them with a detailed description of the missing person, including their full name, age, height, weight, hair and eye color, clothing last worn, and any distinguishing features. Share a recent photograph and information about their last known location, activities, and state of mind.

While waiting for law enforcement, begin gathering information. Contact everyone the missing person might have been in touch with — friends, coworkers, classmates, neighbors. Check their usual haunts, social media accounts, and digital activity. Document everything you learn, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Organize a search of the immediate area. Check locations the person frequents, their route to work or school, and any places they mentioned visiting. If the missing person has a vehicle, note the make, model, color, and license plate number for law enforcement.

Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (for minors) or the NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) to file a report. These national databases help coordinate information across jurisdictions and can be critical when a missing person crosses state lines.

As time progresses, work with law enforcement to organize volunteer search efforts, create and distribute flyers, and leverage social media to spread awareness. The more people who know about the case, the more likely someone with critical information will come forward.