CLEVELAND -- After weeks of hearing about Shakira Johnson, parents all over northeast Ohio wonder, could this happen to their child?

Being prepared for such an event and knowing how to prepare is crucial, reported NewsChannel5's Ted Hart.

If your child is missing from home, the first step is to search the house. Look in closets, or wherever a child might crawl or hide.

If you still can't find them, call the police immediately.

"We've learned that the first few hours are the critical key, and the description and picture," said Chief Charles Goss, of the Strongsville police.

Police will want a good description, so it is important to test yourself. Know your child's approximate height and weight, and other details about their appearance.

Providing a current picture of the child is also important. Experts suggest carrying one in your wallet, in case your child disappears at a store, while on vacation, or other places away from home.

Goss said Ohio is one of only four states with a telephone alert system, called A Child is Missing.

The system allows a message describing the child and circumstances to be tape recorded, and then makes thousands of phone calls asking for help finding the child.

Speed is of the essence in responding to cases of missing children. There are several programs for parents through schools, YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs. These programs provide booklets parents can use to organize emergency information about their children.

To download and print out a child protection form to have on hand in case of an emergency, click here

To visit the Web site for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, click here.