Yoinked from Kibbles, because it's a really good idea.

[velvetpage]

This one should go around.
http://www.komotv.com/stories/37952.htm
Put I.C.E. On Your Cell Phone

July 14, 2005

By Brian Calvert


SEATTLE - A unique campaign is gaining a lot of momentum in England in the wake of last week's deadly bombings. The effort involves how your cell phone could actually help save your life.

Since the tragedy a week ago today, cell phone users in England are being urged to program in a new number, and label that number with the letters I-C-E. That stands for "In case of emergency."

If you become unconscious, rescuers could scroll through your phone, and know exactly who to call, gleaning information that could potentially save your life.

I asked Jim Bowman at King County's 911 Center if he's ever heard of "ICE?"

"No, I haven't," Bowman responded.

But he really likes the idea.

"I'll bring it up with my boss today," Bowman said. "It sounds like something she'll probably want to promote."

And well before any official campaign begins here. "In fact, I'll probably do my phone when we're through talking," Bowman told KOMO News.

"If there is a number in their phone, an 'ICE' number, we can use that as a tool," says Seattle Fire Captain Preston Bang, who says it could help in a variety of situations. "Something as simple as a car accident, or maybe as complex as a subway bombing."

It may take a while to catch on, and any campaign here will take time to develop, but you can help start the life saving conversation by programming your ICE number right now.

**NOTE As of 3:30pm Thursday, I've received numerous email responses to the article, each with a suggestion on how to make your "ICE" number a little more visible to a rescuer or police officer. One of the best suggestions is putting a dot or "." before the letters "I-C-E." By doing this, your "ICE" number will be at the very top of your phone book, thus very easy to spot. Another thing: Many cell phones won't let you put in the same number twice, so try what I tried. If your "ICE" is the same number as someone else on your list, just put a "1" in front of the area code and phone number...much like you would if you were dialing from a "land line." Your cell doesn't care whether you use a "1" or not most of the time. Several have said they'll be passing this story along to co-workers to help get the word out.

Comments

Way ahead of you.

[athelind.livejournal.com]

Pretty much since I got my cell phone, the first entry in my phone book has been "Alert Home". The LAST one is "Wife", with quelonzia's work and cell phone numbers. That way, all anyone has to do is hit the "down" button OR the "up" button and get my main emergency numbers. I'll add an ICE number later, though -- it's a good idea.

Re: Way ahead of you.

[velvetpage.livejournal.com]

I don't even have a cell phone, but I'm considering making a list like this to put in my wallet anyway. It's easy enough - Piet's work number, Oma's number, my mother's number - one of the three would almost always work.