NORAD Tracking Santa On His Way To Detroit
By Edward Cardenas
SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Santa Claus has left the North Pole and is on his journey around the world and to metro Detroit.
A team of more than 1,000 volunteers are once again working the phones and computers at the North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado tracking Santa and providing updates to children and families.
According to U.S. Air Force officials, Santa took off while many local children were asleep.
"We spotted him leaving the North Pole at around 6 a.m. eastern time," said Maj. Ruth Castro, who said Santa should have a smooth flight. "So far everything looks clear and he's been on his way, delivering all the gifts he needs to."
The tradition of NORAD tracking Santa began in 1955 when a local advertisement directing children to call Santa direct had misprinted telephone number.
Instead of calling the North Pole, the phone rang through to the Crew Commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center, where the officer on duty provided updates on Santa's location. NORAD has carried on the tradition, and today nearly 1,200 volunteers are providing updates on Santa's location.
"(The volunteers) just enjoy coming in and answering the phones and letting the kids know where he is," Castro said. "It brings them joy and happiness to be able to help like that."
Santa trackers worldwide can call 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to speak with a live phone operator to ask about Santa's whereabouts or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.com.
Families can also follow Santa on "Santa Cams" on the NORAD Santa Tracker website; apps in the Windows, Apple and Google Play stores; and social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+.
And if families are in their vehicle, OnStar subscribers can use the service to find Santa's location.
Castro also has a piece of advice for children, stating they need to "be in bed between nine and midnight. Santa won't stop at their house unless they are asleep."
Families can also follow the Jolly Elf on Google's Santa Tracker and AT&T U-verse service.
In addition to tracking Santa's location, Castro said NORAD's equipment found there will be enough gifts for children in metro Detroit despite his long journey.
"His bag is really magically, so he keeps pouring gifts out, but there are still many many more in there," she said.
