First Lady: Prepare Kids for Disasters

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/16/AR2005091600959.html

First Lady: Prepare Kids for Disasters

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- First lady Laura Bush said Friday that young children should learn their full names, addresses and parents' names to speed up reunions after disasters like Hurricane Katrina or anytime a child is lost.

Bush told the story of a 5-year-old boy found walking on Interstate 10 in New Orleans who knew his name, address, mother's name and the name of his church.

"So that's a very good reminder to all of us that we need to teach our children as soon as they can talk," she said during a visit to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which set up a special Katrina hot line with retired law enforcement officers working the phones.

...

The first lady praised the "very heartfelt speech" given by President Bush Thursday night from New Orleans and lauded the hot line volunteers, who include Herman Hargrove, a retired New York Police Department detective.

....

The Katrina hot line is 888-544-5475.



First lady Laura Bush gives a statement in the call center of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children after touring the facility on Friday, Sept. 16, 2005 in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf) (Kevin Wolf - AP)