AOL to Offer Amber Alerts Online

Internet service provider America Online will begin transmitting Amber Alerts to subscribers' computers, pagers, and cell phones in early November.

AOL members can pre-register by entering their ZIP code to receive alerts in any of the areas that have agreed to participate--all but one of the existing Amber Alert systems. Travelers and people near state borders can enter multiple ZIP codes.

Some states already send Amber alerts via e-mail. But AOL's announcement system is nationwide and will be able to reach cell phones and pagers, as well as desktop computers. The plan is voluntary and targets specific AOL members to receive alerts in areas near them.