How it works
Four steps between a wandering moment and a safe return.
A discreet ID decal on everyday clothing gives law enforcement everything they need to bring your loved one home safely — and calmly.
01
Fill out the contact form
Start by filling out the contact form on this website. There's no cost — tell us about your loved one and the participating Safely Back Home police department you'd like to enroll with. We'll guide you through the next steps.
02
Register conditions and safety notes
Officers record any and all medical or behavioral conditions, caregiver contacts, calming phrases, and safety cues — for example, 'approach carefully, talk to him about his dog named Charlie.'
03
Police assign a Safely Back Home ID number
The department opens a private file for that person, assigns a unique Safely Back Home ID number, and attaches it to the file. A kit is then sent to the caregiver who enrolled them.
04
Iron the decal on any fabric
The decal can be ironed onto any fabric (except nylon) — shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, shorts, bathing suits, backpacks. If your loved one is ever found wandering, anyone can read it, call the police number, and give the ID number — officers instantly know who they are and how to help.
What the decal shows — and what stays private
The iron-on decal displays only the essentials so anyone who finds the person can act immediately. Sensitive details stay in a private file at the police department and are only used by responding officers.
On the iron-on decal
Iron-on ID Decal Preview
If I Appear Lost, Please Call:
123-456-7890
Town, State
Safely Back Home ID# 1234
Sample decal. Your local Safely Back Home police phone number will appear on the decal issued to you.
In the police file
- • Recent photo of the individual
- • Parent / caregiver contact information
- • All medical, cognitive, and behavioral conditions
- • Medications and allergies
- • Places the person is likely to wander to
- • What to say to keep them calm during the safe return
- • Safety cues — e.g. “approach carefully, talk to him about his dog named Charlie”
