National Amber Alert Awareness Day

1/13/2013 (Updated 10:56:01 PM)

Sunday marks National Amber Alert Awareness Day.

The Amber Alert was named after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman who was abducted and killed in 1996.  The alerts are issued when a child is missing and believed to be in serious danger.

New York State Police notify the Department of Transportation when an alert is issued so they can make travelers aware, with road signs.

Police say an alert is only issued in extreme situations.

"We're very cautious and sensitive to those being over used which is why the criteria is so restricted.  When you see one, there's a problem and we need your help to find that person right away because it's a very grave situation," says Lt. Robert Croswell of the New York State Police.

"We take it serious.  The Department of Transportation not only will activate the message sign, but we have crews that are on the road that are out there and they will also be on the lookout," says Dave Hamburg of the New York Department of Transportation, Region 9.

Alerts are also issued for missing students and vulnerable adults.  officials say 15 signs can be activated with a message in Broome County.