SOS - Save Ourselves
About US
According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons (NamUS) database, which the U.S. Department of Justice funds, more than 600,000 people go missing annually. That is nearly 52,000 people per week and around 1,643 people per day. SOS was developed to decrease this number by providing families with the resources to quickly find help when their loved one goes missing.
There are thousands of organizations across the country whose job it is to provide resources for you and your family when someone goes missing. Whether through online databases, search assistance, resources or law enforcement agencies, these organizations are here to help you in your time of need.
On a Personal Note
SOS was founded and created by Danielle Tarpley, a Survey Statistician from the small town of Danville, Virginia. The SOS website and app came from a mother and true crime podcasts lover. Who says anxiety is always bad?
While listening to a disturbing episode of Crime Junkie (her favorite podcast of all time), Danielle decided that completing an "If I Go Missing" file would be wise. After all, these files can be critical in providing the information needed to help your loved ones help you in a time of crisis.
As Danielle started researching what she would do if her child or someone else she knew went missing, she realized it was A LOT of work. She didn't even know who to call, other than the police, and she knew there were organizations out there whose specific purpose is to help in situations like these. No one should have to go through this research process after their loved one goes missing, nor would they have the time to do so.
The more research that was done, the more Danielle realized that no one organization had a fully comprehensive list of all of the organizations that could be utilized. That is now the purpose of this website. It, when complete, will provide a full list of organizations that can aid you when someone you know and love goes missing. From search and rescue, databases, advocacy groups, law enforcement, etc., thousands of groups can help. We just need to know what those organizations are. The dashboard will help you find the organizations you need if you ever need them.
The app, which is in development, will help you even further. The app will allow you to make a digital "If I Go Missing" file and allow others access to the file in the event you go missing. With a unique generated code, a person can access another person's file (only with their pre-express permission). Also, maps will be generated using the timeline feature in the app. A timeline of your movements will be generated either automatically or manually. This information will map your frequently visited places, providing a complete picture of your last movements. Family, friends, and law enforcement will know precisely where you have been and where you were last located when you went missing (or when your phone died), saving loads of time and resources.
Every second counts when someone goes missing. Every Single Second. Having a comprehensive list of contacts (emails, websites, phone numbers, etc.) and knowing exactly where a person was last located would significantly reduce the time law enforcement would need to start their investigation in an accurate, efficient, and effective way.
By donating, you have the chance to be a part of this project. Thank you for caring, and thank you for supporting SOS. Your donation will help fund the development of the SOS app!