— and Why Everyone in Jasper & Pickens County Should Have It
If you look through your cell phone contacts, you may see entries labeled ICE. It’s not an app or emergency service — it’s something much simpler and incredibly important.
ICE stands for “In Case of Emergency.”
It’s a small step that can make a big difference for you, your family, and first responders right here in Jasper and the surrounding Pickens County area.
What Is an ICE Contact?
An ICE contact is the person emergency responders can quickly reach if you’re injured, unconscious, or unable to communicate.
Local police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and hospital staff are trained to look for ICE in a phone’s contact list when time matters, and they need to notify someone right away.
Instead of guessing who to call, an ICE contact clearly points them to the right person.
Why ICE Contacts Are Especially Important in Our Community
In a close-knit community like Jasper and Pickens County, emergencies can happen anywhere — on back roads, hiking trails, job sites, at school events, or at home.
Having an ICE contact helps first responders:
- Reach a loved one quickly
- Learn about medical conditions or allergies
- Confirm your identity
- Make faster, more informed care decisions
When minutes matter, clear information can truly help save lives.
Who Should You Choose as Your ICE Contact?
Pick someone who:
- Answers their phone reliably
- Knows your medical history
- Can stay calm in stressful situations
- Lives nearby or can coordinate help
Many people add more than one, such as:
- ICE – Spouse
- ICE – Parent
- ICE – Adult Child
- ICE – Emergency Contact
How to Add ICE to Your Phone
It only takes a minute:
- Open your phone’s contact list
- Create a new contact or edit an existing one
- Rename it starting with ICE
- Add their phone number
You can also use the notes section to include helpful information like:
- Allergies
- Medications
- Medical conditions
- Preferred hospital
Check Your Phone’s Emergency Access Settings
Most smartphones allow emergency responders to view emergency contacts even when the phone is locked. Be sure your ICE contact is added to your phone’s Emergency or Medical ID settings so it can be accessed without a passcode.
A Simple Step That Helps Protect Our Community
Adding an ICE contact takes less than two minutes — but it can make a meaningful difference during an accident or medical emergency.
It’s an easy way to look out for yourself, your loved ones, and the first responders who serve Jasper and Pickens County every day.
If you haven’t added one yet, or several, now is a great time. Add yours on your kid’s phones so you are always available In Case Of Emergency.
