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Autistic children, others receive better safety net
A Northeast Philadelphia family's frightening experience with its autistic son has produced a pilot program to protect those at risk of wandering from their homes.
Adults with Alzheimer's and other conditions, in addition to autistic children, are the targets of the new Project Lifesaver in Philadelphia. The project got under way with an initial $25,000 grant from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 and provides police with four receivers. Those receivers can detect, within a mile radius, a radio signal emitted from battery-powered bracelets.
Michael Tuckerman connected with the national Project Lifesaver group last year after his 10-year-old son, Mikey, scaled a six-foot fence surrounding their home last year and wandered into the woods. Mikey was found uninjured after 45 minutes, but the experience left Tuckerman determined to find a better safety net.
The seed money will provide 10 wristbands, Tuckerman said, but Project Lifesaver Philadelphia will seek grants for more bands and make them available to families for $300 each.
City Councilman Jack Kelly organized the initiative with Police Department support. For more information, go to www.philadelphiaprojectlifesaver.com. - Jeff Shields