The free, online registration program records vital health, personal, medical and caregiver information, as well as a photograph of each registered individual.

This information is stored in a secure, online database, where it can be accessed by emergency responders via the National Silver Alert call center's toll-free, emergency phone number.

This program is open to ALL senior citizens and individuals with Alzheimer's or other cognitive disorders, regardless of age, who wish to have their vital health, personal, medical and caregiver information readily available in the event of an emergency.

The National Silver Alert program also offers the following layers of security, depending upon individual need:

• ID Card Packages - which includes 2 wallet-size ID cards and 1 large ID card that contain vital personal, medical, caregiver information and color photograph. Also included is an emergency responder decal to be placed on the front door or window, notifying responders that emergency information is displayed on the refrigerator, and an Emergency Responder refrigerator magnet to affix the ID card to the refrigerator.

• ID Bracelets and Pendants - each bracelet and pendant is engraved with the Silver Alert toll-free, emergency phone number and a unique serial number that will allow emergency responders to contact the National Silver Alert call center and retrieve vital emergency information.

In April, 2008, U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), introduced legislation that would establish a national grant program to help U.S. States and territories establish Silver Alert notification systems to locate missing individuals suffering from dementia related illnesses.