📲 Set Up Your Phone for Emergencies

Three free built-in features on every smartphone that could save a life — and most parents have never set them up. Takes about 10 minutes total.

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Emergency Contacts (ICE)

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Emergency SOS & 911 Notifications

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Medical ID

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Emergency Contacts (ICE)

In Case of Emergency

ICE contacts (In Case of Emergency) are saved in your phone so first responders and others can quickly reach your family in an emergency. Setting these up takes less than 5 minutes.

💡 Why this matters

If your child or you are in an accident and can't speak, emergency responders are trained to look for ICE contacts in your phone.

Step-by-Step Setup

✅ Pro Tip

Name contacts starting with 'ICE -' so they appear near the top of alphabetical contact lists and are easy to spot quickly.

Your Setup Checklist

Checkmarks are saved on this device only.

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Emergency SOS & 911 Notifications

Automatic alerts when 911 is called

Both iPhone and Android can automatically send a text message with your location to a contact you choose when you call 911. This is one of the most powerful safety features most people don't know about.

💡 Why this matters

When 911 is called, the dispatcher will ask: (1) the address of the emergency, (2) the child's name and age, then (3) what happened. Setting up Emergency SOS also means a trusted person gets your GPS location automatically — even if you can't text them yourself.

Step-by-Step Setup

✅ Pro Tip

Practice with your child: '911 asks for your address FIRST, then your name and age, then what happened.' Rehearse your home address regularly so it becomes automatic in a stressful moment.

Your Setup Checklist

Checkmarks are saved on this device only.

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Medical ID

Accessible without unlocking your phone

Medical ID stores critical health information — allergies, medications, blood type, and emergency contacts — that paramedics and ER staff can access directly from your lock screen without needing your passcode.

💡 Why this matters

If your child has a food allergy, asthma, or requires specific medication and can't speak for themselves, first responders will check Medical ID first. It can be life-saving.

Step-by-Step Setup

✅ Pro Tip

Add a note like 'Has 3 children — see ICE contacts' so responders know to look for your ICE contacts too. You can also list your children's names and ages here.

Your Setup Checklist

Checkmarks are saved on this device only.

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You're doing a great job

Setting these up once means they work forever in the background. Share this guide with your partner, a grandparent, or another caregiver so everyone who has your child is prepared.

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