EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding the community of the importance of Amber Alert and the statewide alert program as it contributes to public safety, in recognition of National Amber Alert Day. DPS says Amber alerts inform the public of serious child abductions to generate tips and leads for law enforcement. The name "Amber" was given to the alert in honor of Amber Hagerman, a nine-year-old who was abducted while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas back in 1996. Four days later she was found dead in a creek just a few miles from her home. "When an alert has been activated, DPS asks all Texans to pay attention to alert messages and to be observant of their surroundings. If an alert is posted either on a highway sign or information is shared in other formats such as mobile phones, broadcasts or social media, take time to read and digest the information. Once the description of the child, suspect or vehicle is shared, be aware of possible matches. Texans should immediately call 911 if they have information to share with law enforcement," DPS said. DPS says it activated 47 amber alerts last year in Texas and is responsible for administering multiple alerts as part of the statewide alert program. "DPS activates an alert when an authorized requestor declares in writing that the required activation criteria has been met. DPS continues the activation until the requestor asks that it be discontinued. Agencies typically request discontinuation after the missing or wanted person has been found alive, if the investigating agency has reason to believe that the missing or wanted person is deceased or if the investigating agency determines that the alert is no longer needed, even though the person may still be wanted or missing," DPS said.