Safety Tips

Governor Rell, Commissioner Boyle and Representative Sawyer

Urge Connecticut Citizens to “ICE” Their Cell Phones

 

Governor M. Jodi Rell, Public Safety Commissioner Leonard C. Boyle and State Representative Pamela Z. Sawyer today urged Connecticut residents to “ICE” their cell phones by storing the phone numbers of family members or friends to be notified “In Case of Emergency” (ICE).

 

The idea is to have readily available emergency contact numbers stored in one’s cell phone contacts under the listing of “ICE,” so that, in the event of an emergency, paramedics or other emergency responders would be able to reach a family member or other listed ICE contact right away and relate what had happened.

 

“This practice has already caught on in Great Britain and elsewhere and makes a great deal of sense,” Governor Rell said. “Almost everyone carries a cell phone, and Connecticut residents – and Americans everywhere, for that matter – should do it. It only takes a minute and can prove extremely valuable and save a great deal of time in the event of an auto accident, a health emergency, a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. Anything we can do in terms of preparedness, we should do.”

 

The ICE program was brought to the Governor’s attention by Representative Sawyer after the recent terror attacks in London. The contact information is especially useful for paramedics or other emergency personnel responding to incidents where someone has been seriously injured or is otherwise incapable of notifying their families of the situation.

 

“The ICE initiative gives emergency responders an excellent place to start,” said Representative Sawyer, R-Bolton. “It’s also a common-sense idea for everyone. Plus, it’s free. Many children as young as middle school age have cell phones, as do their parents and grandparents. I encourage everyone to put their emergency contacts in their phones today, and give their families some additional peace of mind.”

 

The Governor and Commissioner Boyle are sending letters to the leaders of the police and fire chiefs associations in Connecticut, urging them to spread the word locally about ICE.

 

Several next-of-kin registration programs were established in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in this country and some are fee-based. ICE can be utilized at no charge by any cell phone user.

 

ICE was conceived by a British ambulance service leader earlier this year and it has been widely publicized throughout Europe and elsewhere.