When you were younger, did you ever get lost and thought you would never find your way back to your loved ones? I know I did, and I also know how scary this could be!
I’m bringing this up because as I wandered around the Fair today, I noticed a lost child being escorted by security. That is when I decided to meet the Lost Children (LC) staff and write a blog about their procedures and what to do if your child gets lost.
Monica Neill works with LC and said that although up to 50 children could get lost on any given weekend, children are usually found within 30 minutes. Nevertheless, she said parents and children should get in the habit of doing the following things.
1. Children should know their parent’s cellphone number by heart.
2. Parents and children should agree on a meeting place in case they are separated. If this is done, lots of time will be saved.
3. Parents should encourage children to ask for help (i.e. security, guests services or other LACF staff).
4. Parents should always know what the child is wearing because LC staff will ask them.
Since LACF is committed to the safety and well-being of all guests, LC staff must obey certain protocols.
First, you should know that all LC staff have a radio, and that they are in constant communication with each other. As soon as someone reports a lost child, someone in LC picks up the child and brings him or her to the center.
Once there, children are not only given a snack and a drink, but they are also encouraged to watch a movie, play games or draw pictures. The goal is to maintain the children as calm as possible before a parent or guardian presents a photo ID and completes the child release form.
You should also know that LC is the only air-conditioned facility on the grounds that has a changing table, a nursing area and baby products for sale. This place is not just for lost children, so please come in and meet our wonderful staff: Suzan, Monica, Cindy, Lucy, Christine, Bertie and Brian. They will be delighted to help you!
One final thought…if your child does get lost, please remain calm and seek help from a staff member. They will be more than happy to help you find your missing child!
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