Ohio's AMBER Alert plan was established in 2003 to provide protocols for activation of statewide or multi-area AMBER Alert activations. The plan relies upon the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to distribute messages to radio and television stations and uses Ohio's 12 operational areas as the basis for activations. Information about the Ohio AMBER Alert plan is available at www.ohioAMBERplan.org.
The OAB Board of Directors recommends the following guidelines for those stations participating in AMBER Alert activations:
- Broadcast any AMBER Alert received via EAS immediately
- Rebroadcast AMBER Alert information every 15 minutes for the first two hours
- Broadcast updates and cancellations promptly
To assist member stations in educating their staffs about the AMBER Alert plan, the OAB has developed a laminated card with the criteria, guidelines, and additional resources for the AMBER Alert plan. You can download a copy of the card or stations can request multiple copies by contacting the OAB at 866-OAB-5794.
Station personnel interested in receiving email or text message notification of alert activations, updates or cancellations should contact Chris Merritt at cmerritt@oab.org.
