Newly Updated For LA Wildfires

In early January we were having a great time working on the newest version of our best-selling book “Back It Up.”

If you haven’t seen it, “Back It Up,” shows readers how to digitize and preserve all their family photos, music and home movies, both manually and with the help of a curated list of amazing, easy-to-use, top-tech tools, that will keep all their precious memories safe & sound, at the touch of a button.

In fact, over 1.7 million people have used the information in it, to keep the things they love safe and sound, in nearly every precarious situation.

With this 2025/2026 edition, we were planning to add even more incredible tools and how-to info.

And then we flipped on the news. And looked out the window, where we saw smoke billowing towards Glendale from two different directions, Pacific Palisades and Altadena, where the Eaton fire was beginning to grow.

The moment that changed everything.

Now what?

I don’t know about you, but as a family, we have already lost too much, to let even one more person, lose one more precious photo to another natural disaster.

So, we turned our plans for the book upside down. We decided to put as many copies of “Back It Up” into the hands of as many families as we could as quickly as possible.

For the book, we updated only the essentials and started contacting groups and organizations whose members would benefit from it.

Next we turned “Back It Up” into a living document, which we’ll update throughout the year as more information and tools become available. Once you download your copy, keep an eye on your email or social media for updates, so you can always be sure to have the latest version.

Then we added a new section to help families who lost photos, home videos or music in the wildfires – a list of ideas and places where you might be able to find replacement copies of your favorites. If you need it, after you download your copy of the book, just read the chapter called, Photo Finder.

Are you ready to download your free copy of “Back It Up?”

Just click on the GET MY FREE COPY NOW! button below to download your PDF copy.

Here’s To Backing Up, Recovering & Safeguarding Your Photos, Videos & Music!

Thanks to our digital partner Gumroad for helping make these downloads possible.   

 

How To Stay Connected With The People You Love, Even If You’re Not Allowed In Their Hospital Room

What can you do to keep someone you love as safe and connected as possible if they end up in the hospital in the middle of the pandemic?

A lot more than you think…

The minute we wrote and enacted three Next of Kin laws to protect hospital patients, people began asking us what they can do to keep the people they love safe while they’re in the hospital.

Usually our advice is pretty straightforward.

Go to the hospital with them and don’t ever leave them alone.  Just pitch a tent at their bedside and get comfortable.

Laura and Jan Greenwald, After WAY Too Much Experience With The Subject

Okay, there’s a little more to it than that.  But THAT was before Coronavirus reared its ugly head.

Now every hospital here in the U.S. and around the world, has a new mandate to keep everyone as safe as possible.

No visitors.  No family.  No argument.

Now what?

The good news is that with some easy to use tools and tips you can keep your loved one and her medical staff safely at arm’s length while keeping a pulse on her and her condition.

Here are some easy ways to stay in constant communication with your loved one and his medical team, even if you can’t set foot in the hospital.

On The Phone

This is probably the easiest way to keep in touch with your patient. Even if he or she can’t speak, a member of the medical staff can always put the phone up to their ear or put the call on speaker so you can talk to them

I don’t have to tell you what a difference hearing a familiar voice on the phone can make for someone who is critically ill, unconscious or unresponsive. After my Grandma’s stroke, the moment she heard Mom’s and my voices on the phone, her eyes snapped open and she came out of her coma.  Enough said. 

FaceTime | Skype | Webex | Zoom

Video calls are a great way to stay in touch with anyone in the hospital.

One of the worst things about not being able to be at someone’s bedside, is not being able to see them and have them see you. FaceTime, Skype, Webex and Zoom solve that problem.  Remember, many COVID -19 patients have to be on a ventilator for at least part of their treatment, which renders them unable to speak. But a video call – quick and easy for any staff member to do – gives both of you the real time contact you need to see each other and to see exactly what’s going on.

If you want to use FaceTime or Skype, be sure to write down the user names or passwords you’ll need on your Information Central page, so you and the medical staff will have them handy.  And don’t forget to make sure the app is working on both of your smartphones or devices like our favorites the Samsung Galaxy and iPhone, before you send your loved one’s phone with him to the hospital. 

Texting

Is your loved one is awake and able to use his or her smartphone, but not able to carry on a long conversation?  Then texting is a great alternative.  The whole family texting little updates, well wishes, pictures, videos and even jokes can really make the day of someone stuck in bed.

Texts can also be read back to him once he’s awake and able to listen. Some phones like iPhones also let you send an audio or video text which is a great way to send love to or from the hospital or help relieve boredom during recovery.  

Social Media 

When you have to communicate fast, don’t forget Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. They all have instant messaging, so if you need to reach busy family members quickly, they might just spot a direct message faster than a missed call or text. 

Games 

If your family or friends play group games like Words With Friends online, be sure to tuck this login in your loved ones contacts so they’ll have it with them if they want to stay connected.   It’s a great way to keep some normalcy during those times when everything else seems to be spiraling out of control. 

White Board

When you have a chance to talk to the nurses taking care of your loved one, ask them if they would take a moment to jot down a few updates about your patient on the whiteboard in her room.  Any improvements that she’s made, how they feel her day went, or even what she had for lunch.   Then when they call to give you an update (preferably twice a day) you won’t just get a medical rundown.  They’ll be able to give you a quick status along with a personal update.  

Playlists

If you have time, put together a playlist of power songs, relaxing songs and just plain favorites for your love one to listen to during rough times and recovery.  You can also assemble a list of favorite movies that can be streamed along with the name of the streaming service you use, so it’s easy for a hospital staff member to help your loved one to find her favorites.

Other Ways To Stay In Touch

There is no one more inventive than a family desperate to communicate with someone they love.  We’ve all heard stories all the way through the pandemic about people using walkie-talkies and baby monitors outside their husband’s or mom’s hospital window to be with them, so they won’t be alone.  

Some temporary makeshift hospitals might not even have phones at their patient’s bedsides.  So whatever way you find to stay in communication with sick loved ones – don’t ever let anyone – a hospital, doctor, nurse, first responder – anyone – tell you that you won’t be able to communicate with the person you love.   You just have to figure out HOW to make it happen.

The most important thing to remember is that the person you love is not alone.  You’re only a FaceTime (or call or text or Tweet) away.

For a book’s worth of tips and tools on keeping the people you love safe while hospitalized during Coronavirus, pick up a copy of our book Alone Together in paperback or instant download.

Alone Together | The Book Inspired By The Pandemic

Protect The People You Love, Even If You Can’t Set Foot In Their Hospital Room.  In just weeks, COVID-19 changed the rules at every hospital in the world.  No visitors.  No family.  No argument.  Now what?  What can YOU do to keep someone you love as safe and connected as possible if they end up in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic?  A lot more than you think.   Paperback Or Instant Download

At Your Fingertips | Make Your Smartphone Even Smarter

What if I told you, there was something you have with you right now, that can give you the support, information & ability you need to keep everyone and everything you love safe and sound, PLUS the power to gather your family in seconds no matter where they are. What is it? It’s your smartphone!  At Your Fingertips is an easy to read, easy to use guide that turns your smartphone into your very own life preserver. Paperback Or Instant Download

Keep The Stuff You Love Safe

How To Save Your Treasured Voice Mail Messages

How To Save Your Home Movies And Videos

How To Archive Your Digital Photos

How To Archive Your Print Photos

How To Make A Home Inventory

How To Get Your Financial Life In Order

How To Preserve Your Family History

How To Back Up Your Facebook Friends List

Turn Your Smartphone Into A Mobile Command Center

How To Backup Your Music, MP3s And Vinyl Albums

How To Access Your Money No Matter Where You Are

As Amazon Associates we earn commissions from qualifying purchases made from product links.

Wondering how to set up your Medical ID or ICE Contact on your new #AppleWatch?

Have Fun Getting Your Stuff Together!

The ICE My Phone Kit

Did you know your smartphone can save your life? It can also save your spouse’s life, your kid’s lives and the lives of everyone you love! The secret is letting your phone do the talking for you in an emergency. How? With ICE, your in case of emergency contact. In “The ICE My Phone Kit” you’ll find step by step directions for ICEing, iPhones, Galaxies, regular Androids, Windows and even flip phones. Paperback Or Instant Download

At Your Fingertips | Make Your Smartphone Even Smarter

What if I told you, there was something you have with you right now, that can give you the support, information & ability you need to keep everyone and everything you love safe and sound, PLUS the power to gather your family in seconds no matter where they are. What is it? It’s your smartphone! At Your Fingertips is an easy to read, easy to use guide that turns your smartphone into your very own life preserver. Paperback Or Instant Download

How To Set Up Your ICE Contacts

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your iPhone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Samsung Galaxy Phone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Android Smartphone

How To Put An ICE Contact & Medical ID On Your Apple Watch

How To Set Up Your Medical ID & ICE Contact On The iPhone

How to put an ICE Contact on your Samsung Galaxy Lock Screen

Can I Put An ICE Contact On A Password Protected iPhone?

How To Find Your Patient’s Medical Information & ICE Contacts On An iPhone.

Cómo Colocar Un En Caso de Contacto de Emergencia En Su Teléfono Celular

Why Are ICE Contacts So Important?

Create An ICE Contact In 2 Minutes

The Two Things You should NEVER put in your ICE Contact

Don’t Carry A Wallet? Here are 20 Places To Put Your Emergency Wallet Card

Keep The People You Love Safe

How To Keep Your Medical History At Your Fingertips

How To Create A Family Evacuation Plan

How To Fill Out Your Child’s Emergency Contact Card

Updated On 2/28/21

How To Find Your Patient’s Medical Information and ICE Contacts On An iPhone  

As emergency physicians, nurses, paramedics, police officers and other first responders know, there’s nothing worse than staring down at a critically ill patient who can’t answer of your questions.  Who can’t tell you who they are, what medications they’re taking or one thing about their medical history. 

Or can they?  What if your patient had something in their pocket that could tell you all the critical information you need to save their life?   

They do. 

It’s their iPhone. 

But how do you find all that information, especially if they password protect their phone? It’s a lot easier than you think! 

Here’s how to do it. 

What Am I Looking For? 

You’re looking for their Medical ID or their ICE/Emergency Contacts. 

Pick up your patient’s phone and look at the screen.  You might have to click the round home button or power button to wake it up.  If the phone is off, just hold the power button for a few seconds to turn it on.

Does the phone screen look like picture 1, 2 or 3 below? 

#1 Password Protected With Medical ID 

Most new iPhones have an emergency link called Medical ID, which displays the owner’s medical information and emergency contacts, even if the phone is password protected. 

Locate Medical Information & Emergency Contacts 

Tap the word EMERGENCY on the lower left side of the screen. Then on the next screen, tap MEDICAL ID.  

This will open Medical ID.

Not only will you be able to see any medical history or information that your patient has entered, but you’ll be able to see their ICE/Emergency Contacts at the bottom of the Medical ID screen.

Locate Patient’s Name And Contact Information

Didn’t find anything helpful?  Let’s try and find your patient’s name and contact information.

Look at the screen, hold down the home button and say the following words in this order.

“Who does this iPhone belong to?” 

Siri should respond with your patient’s name and any basic contact information that he or she entered on the phone. 

Locate Patient’s Next Of Kin 

If you weren’t able to find the information you need, here are a few ideas that might help.  

#2 Password Protected iPhone Without Medical ID

Locate Medical Information  

If you see a password screen but don’t see the word EMERGENCY, the iPhone is a little older than most.  It won’t have Medical ID, but it might still have an ICE Contact.  

Locate ICE/Emergency Contacts 

Just press and hold down the  Main Home Button — the big round button on the bottom of the phone — to access Siri.  Then say the following words in this order. 

“Siri, Contacts ICE”.    

If the phone has an ICE contact, Siri should display it for you.

Locate Patient’s Name And Contact Information 

If Siri doesn’t bring anything up, press and hold down the  Main Home Button, and say the following words in this order. 

“Who does this iPhone belong to?” 

Siri should respond with your patient’s name and any basic contact information the he or she entered on the phone. 

Locate Patient’s Next Of Kin 

If you weren’t able to find the information you need, here are a few ideas that might help.  

#3 Not Password Protected

Locate Medical Information 

If the phone isn’t password protected, all you have to do is look for Medical ID or through the phone’s Contacts yourself.  

The quickest way to find it, is to ask Siri.  Swipe the arrow near the bottom of the screen from left to right, to open the home screen. 

Look at the screen and say the following words in this order:  

“Hey Siri, open Medical ID”.  

If Siri responds, check the Medical ID for the information you need.

If nothing happens, Siri probably isn’t switched on.  But you can still find the Medical ID by finding and opening the Apple Health App. 

Locate and click on the App’s Icon.  It’s the one with the Heart (SEE BELOW) and then click on Medical ID. 

Not only will you be able to see any medical history or information that your patient has entered, but you’ll be able to see their ICE/Emergency Contacts at the bottom of the Medical ID screen.

Locate ICE/Emergency Contacts 

Nothing helpful in the Medical ID?  

Time to look at the phone’s Contacts to see if you can find your patient’s ICE contacts or the name of their spouse, relatives or close friends. 

Tap the Phone icon and then tap on Contacts. 

The first contact on the list is usually the owner of the phone, so be sure to look there if you need to find your patient’s name or personal contact information.

Then scroll the rest of the phone/contacts to try and locate your patient’s spouse, parents, relatives or close friends.  

Locate Patient’s Next Of Kin 

If you weren’t able to find the information you need, here are a few ideas that might help.  

How To Find Medical ID On An Apple Watch 

Password Protected 

Locate Medical Information & Emergency Contacts 

Pick up the watch and look at the screen.  If it’s password protected, press and hold the side button (the crown on the watch) drag the Medical ID slider to the right.  

Once you open the Medical ID scroll to the bottom (by turning the side button/crown) to read the information.  Your patient’s emergency Contact should be listed towards the bottom of the Medical ID. 

To call a contact, touch the contact’s name from the list to call them.  If their iPhone isn’t nearby, you’ll have to call the contact number from another phone.   

Not Password Protected 

Locate Medical Information 

If the Apple Watch isn’t password protected, look at the screen and say the following words in this order:  

“Hey Siri, open Medical ID”.  

Locate ICE/Emergency Contacts 

Nothing helpful in the Medical ID?  Time to look at the phone’s Contacts to see if you can find your patient’s ICE Contacts or the name of their spouse, relatives or close friends. 

On the Home screen find and tap the Phone app.  

Now tap Contacts.  To look through the contacts, turning the side button/crown to scroll them. 

If you’re a healthcare professional or a first responder…

Remember these instructions the next time you encounter an unconscious patient with an iPhone. 

While you’re here, take a moment to check out  How To Put An ICE Contact On Your iPhone, or How To Put And ICE Contact On Your Samsung Galaxy to learn how to set up a fully loaded, life saving ICE Contact on your own phone in two minutes or less.  

And don’t forget to put ICE Contacts on your spouse’s and kid’s phones too, along with each other’s contact information, so you can get in touch with each other quickly and easily.

Have Fun Getting Your Stuff Together!

The ICE My Phone Kit

Did you know your smartphone can save your life? It can also save your spouse’s life, your kid’s lives and the lives of everyone you love! The secret is letting your phone do the talking for you in an emergency. How? With ICE, your in case of emergency contact. In “The ICE My Phone Kit” you’ll find step by step directions for ICEing, iPhones, Galaxies, regular Androids, Windows and even flip phones. Paperback Or Instant Download

At Your Fingertips | Make Your Smartphone Even Smarter

What if I told you, there was something you have with you right now, that can give you the support, information & ability you need to keep everyone and everything you love safe and sound, PLUS the power to gather your family in seconds no matter where they are. What is it? It’s your smartphone! At Your Fingertips is an easy to read, easy to use guide that turns your smartphone into your very own life preserver. Paperback Or Instant Download

How To Set Up Your ICE Contacts

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your iPhone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Samsung Galaxy Phone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Android Smartphone

How To Put An ICE Contact & Medical ID On Your Apple Watch

How To Set Up Your Medical ID & ICE Contact On The iPhone

How to put an ICE Contact on your Samsung Galaxy Lock Screen

Can I Put An ICE Contact On A Password Protected iPhone?

How To Find Your Patient’s Medical Information & ICE Contacts On An iPhone.

Cómo Colocar Un En Caso de Contacto de Emergencia En Su Teléfono Celular

Why Are ICE Contacts So Important?

Create An ICE Contact In 2 Minutes

The Two Things You should NEVER put in your ICE Contact

Don’t Carry A Wallet? Here are 20 Places To Put Your Emergency Wallet Card

Keep The People You Love Safe

How To Keep Your Medical History At Your Fingertips

How To Create A Family Evacuation Plan

How To Fill Out Your Child’s Emergency Contact Card

As Amazon Associates we earn commissions from qualifying purchases made from product links.

Updated On 3/2/21

In 2020 due to COVID 19, millions of people ended up in the hospital, many in critical condition, who never in their wildest imaginations thought they would be going there. Many were separated from their spouses, children, friends and family who may very well be in another hospital, or who they might never see again.

The thing they have in common is that the doctors and nurses caring for them don’t know them personally. They don’t know what prescriptions they are taking, what they might be allergic to, or what hidden medical conditions might be lurking.

No one could have predicted how severely the pandemic would affect the world or how long it would continue.   But what you can prevent, is lack of information. If you don’t have an ICE Contact on your own iPhone, your spouses and kid’s phone, please stop what you’re doing and go to these links on our blog RIGHT NOW. This is the quick version for iPhone and for the Samsung Galaxy.

You can also find full ICE Contact instructions for every popular phone, smart and flip alike, in our book At Your Fingertips at this link.

Need copies for your group, company or organization? Leave a comment below and we’ll be in touch.

Have Fun Getting Your Stuff Together!

The ICE My Phone Kit

Did you know your smartphone can save your life? It can also save your spouse’s life, your kid’s lives and the lives of everyone you love! The secret is letting your phone do the talking for you in an emergency. How? With ICE, your in case of emergency contact. In “The ICE My Phone Kit” you’ll find step by step directions for ICEing, iPhones, Galaxies, regular Androids, Windows and even flip phones. Paperback Or Instant Download

At Your Fingertips | Make Your Smartphone Even Smarter

What if I told you, there was something you have with you right now, that can give you the support, information & ability you need to keep everyone and everything you love safe and sound, PLUS the power to gather your family in seconds no matter where they are. What is it? It’s your smartphone! At Your Fingertips is an easy to read, easy to use guide that turns your smartphone into your very own life preserver. Paperback Or Instant Download

How To Set Up Your ICE Contacts

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your iPhone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Samsung Galaxy Phone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Android Smartphone

How To Put An ICE Contact & Medical ID On Your Apple Watch

How To Set Up Your Medical ID & ICE Contact On The iPhone

How to put an ICE Contact on your Samsung Galaxy Lock Screen

Can I Put An ICE Contact On A Password Protected iPhone?

How To Find Your Patient’s Medical Information & ICE Contacts On An iPhone.

Cómo Colocar Un En Caso de Contacto de Emergencia En Su Teléfono Celular

Why Are ICE Contacts So Important?

Create An ICE Contact In 2 Minutes

The Two Things You should NEVER put in your ICE Contact

Don’t Carry A Wallet? Here are 20 Places To Put Your Emergency Wallet Card

Keep The People You Love Safe

How To Keep Your Medical History At Your Fingertips

How To Create A Family Evacuation Plan

How To Fill Out Your Child’s Emergency Contact Card

As Amazon Associates we earn commissions from qualifying purchases made from product links.

What if I told you that you could put an ICE Contact on your Samsung Galaxy with everything it needs to have in it to save your life, in 2 MINUTES FLAT?

Would you grab your phone and go for it?  Of course you would!  In fact, even if you already have an ICE Contact on your smartphone, I guarantee that you’re probably missing a few key things.

Last week we showed you how to do a 2 Minute ICE Contact on your iPhone, so we thought this week, we’d switch things up so owners of Samsung Galaxy’s could get in on the fun.  So what are you waiting for?  Grab your phone and let’s get started!

1.  Put the word ICE, all capitals, in the First Name field.

2.  Put your ICE Contact’s first and last name in the Last Name field.

3.  Type in all of your contact’s phone numbers.  EVERY one that you have for them

4. Type in all of your contact’s email addresses — again, every last one.

5. Type in all of your contact’s social media handles/user names in the website section of your contact.  You never know what will be working in an emergency.  Many people have reached loved ones on Facebook and Twitter, when cell phone and landline service was down.

6. If you don’t have a field for Relationship, add one by adding new field and choosing the one called, oddly enough, Relationship.  Then choose or enter the way that this contact is related to you.

7. Your own allergies, medications and medical history go in the notes section.  Even better capitalize the words ALLERGIES, MEDICATIONS etc to ensure that they’re seen.

8.  You can also add your physician’s names and phone numbers in the notes section and if you like, a link to your own medical history form.  If you don’t have one, you can borrow one of ours.

9.  Is your contact in different locations on different days?  Add that in the notes section as well.

10. Instead of their photo, add an ICE Contact Graphic to the contact to make it stand out.  Here are a few to choose from.

11.  And finally, never, ever put your social security number or insurance member number into your ICE Contact.  You may put the name of your insurance company and their customer service number in if you like, but as long as your emergency contact comes to the hospital and can provide that information, it’s probably not necessary.

And there you have it.  One fully loaded ICE Contact.  Two Minutes.

While you’re here, be sure to check out our other posts like How To Put and ICE Contact On Your Samsung Galaxy or How To Put An ICE Contact On Your iPhone, or  to learn EVERYTHING you need to know about ICEing your phone. 

And while you’re feeling proactive, don’t forget to put ICE Contacts on your spouse’s and kid’s phones too, along with each other’s contact information.   

Have Fun Getting Your Stuff Together! We’ll talk later…

How To Set Up Your ICE Contacts

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your iPhone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Samsung Galaxy Phone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Android Smartphone

How To Set Up Your Medical ID & ICE Contact On The iPhone 6

How to put an ICE Contact on your Samsung Galaxy Lock Screen

Can I Put An ICE Contact On A Password Protected iPhone?

Cómo Colocar Un En Caso de Contacto de Emergencia En Su Teléfono Celular

Why Are ICE Contacts So Important?

Create An ICE Contact In 2 Minutes

The Two Things You should NEVER put in your ICE Contact

Don’t Carry A Wallet? Here are 20 Places To Put Your Emergency Wallet Card

Updated 3/7/21

Nothing is worse than watching a victim of the latest disaster digging through the timbers of her home looking for the things she loves most: favorite photos.

The worst part is this type of loss is so easy to prevent! Why are we so good at backing up our smartphone pictures – including the one of yesterday’s lunch – five different ways? But the photos we love most are hanging on the wall unprotected!

• Before hurricane, tornado, wildfire or volcano season catches you unprepared, grab your photos off the walls and scan them at home or at your local copy shop.

• Back up the scans to several different locations in and out of your home, including your PC, digital cameras, portable hard drive, safe deposit box and the cloud. That way if anything ever happens, all you have to do is reprint your favorites and hang them up on your new wall.

Want more tips to keep your family safe?

Over 1.3 million families across the globe have learned how to keep everything and everyone they love safe and sound through our books We’re on a mission to get our books out to donate 200,000 free downloadable copies of our books, Back It Up and Keep Everything You Love Safe.  Pick up your copies today, then help us spread the word on social media.

And while you’re at it, be sure to check out other tips on one of my favorite content sites 30Seconds.com.

Have Fun Getting Your Stuff Together!

Back It Up

I don’t know about you, but the most important keepsakes in our house are our old family photos, followed closely by our home movies and music. But grabbing piles of photo albums and all your picture frames off the walls is pretty hard to do when you’re running out the door! With Back It Up, you’ll learn quick, easy steps to back up your print/digital photos, home movies, music (including vinyl & cassettes) and save them in multiple, disaster proof locations. Paperback Or Instant Download

Keep Everything You Love Safe | The Book Inspired By The Blog

Keep Everything You Love Safe, is filled with quick, easy, 5 minute steps you can take right now, to get everything that’s important to you organized, safe, sound and accessible. Each section covers a different area, from backing up and fixing family photos, home movies and music, to vital documents, medical and financial information and even getting your digital life in order. Paperback Or Instant Download

Keep The Stuff You Love Safe

How To Save Your Treasured Voice Mail Messages

How To Save Your Home Movies And Videos

How To Archive Your Digital Photos

How To Archive Your Print Photos

How To Make A Home Inventory

How To Get Your Financial Life In Order

How To Preserve Your Family History

How To Back Up Your Facebook Friends List

Turn Your Smartphone Into A Mobile Command Center

How To Backup Your Music, MP3s And Vinyl Albums

How To Access Your Money No Matter Where You Are

Updated On 9/28/21

To us, one of the worst things that all of the recent disasters had in common, was that they left millions of people — millions of families — disconnected from everything that they needed not only to survive, but to recover. 

And with the way the world has been the last few years — from hurricanes to wildfires, tornadoes and oh yeah, COVID — having an ICE contact is the perfect way to keep your family safe and connected no matter WHAT is happening around you.

Natural disasters can strike at any time, leaving you and your family stranded without the ability to do something as simple as make a phone call.  Over the last few years, the United States has experienced wildfires in California, tornadoes throughout the Gulf Coast, flooding near rivers and devastation caused by hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.  While physical essentials like food, water and shelter are often limited during disasters, communications are often overlooked as an emergency resource.  In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico experienced an outage of their land-based networks that are used for landlines and cell phone usage.  First responders relied on satellite communications in order to coordinate relief efforts, and afflicted families were able to connect with their loved ones using satellite phones.

In a disaster, there is a risk that telephone lines may fail quickly – and those that don’t can be overloaded with users attempting to place calls.  Satellite communications may become the only alternative as your ‘cellular tower in the sky’.  Iridium provides satellite connectivity with its network of 66 Low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that brings reliable service to anyone throughout the world.  Satellite connectivity is a critical emergency resource and backup communications source that allows you, your family, and colleagues to stay safe, aware and connected during a crisis. 

Is There One Phone That Stands Out From The Others?

As a matter of fact there is.  Iridium.  Iridium is the only provider that offers truly global coverage for mobile satellite devices.  Some providers have large stationary satellites placed in space over 22,000 miles away in Geostationary Orbit (GEO).  Given the distance away from Earth, satellite providers with LEO constellations, like Iridium, tend to experience lower latency on phone calls and provide coverage in areas that cannot be served by GEO constellations.  For example, if you’re stranded in a mountainous area, you may struggle to have a clear line of sight between your satellite phone and a GEO satellite.  With LEO satellites, terrain blockages resolve themselves as the satellites move overhead.

Iridium’s network of 66 LEO satellites continually orbiting the earth supplies clear and reliable communications no matter where you are.  Iridium offers easy-to-use satellite phones and devices that can quickly connect you to the Iridium network, and allow you to place calls during a crisis, especially when cellular connectivity is unavailable. 

How Do I Choose A Satellite Device?

Another benefit of a LEO network is the compact and mobile products associated with it.  For example, Iridium GO!® is a small ‘modem’ that connects your smartphone to the Iridium satellite network.  Simply load the Iridium GO! mobile application to your smartphone, connect it to the Iridium network and place a call.  Iridium GO! provides multiple options to stay in touch. You can check email, send a text, update your social media accounts or send an SOS message when in need.   

The Iridium satellite phone, called Iridium Extreme®, is suitable for users on the move. It has a rugged design that can withstand harsh conditions, and features an SOS-button for emergency situations. The SOS button  automatically dials the GEOS emergency response center, a part of the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), providing a connection to a live support representative.  The SOS-functionality requires users to register online in order to initiate this emergency response service, and once pushed, the SOS button will send location data for response coordination with local public authorities. The button is programmable so corporations or organizations can have emergency calls routed to their internal response center if needed.

How Do I Use A Satellite Device?

An Iridium satellite phone is nearly as easy to use as a regular phone. However, here are some tips to keep you connected at all times. When using your satellite device, it is important that you ensure the device has been fully charged.  When placing a call from a satellite phone, make sure you have a clear view of the sky in order to connect to the network.  To place a call, simply dial 001 (US country code) followed by the phone number.

Having an emergency plan is a necessity in any household.  Ensuring you have a guaranteed and reliable communication source that works with you wherever you go is the best way to stay safe and connected during a disaster.  When preparing for a disaster, be sure to include an Iridium #SatellitePhone and #HotSpot in your emergency kit.  

High Tech Toys

Here are the coolest ways we can find to keep everyone you love safe and connected.  Smart phones, smart watches, smart flash drives that beam data where you need it and a car accessory that diagnoses your engine on the go.  You’re welcome.

Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone

Apple Air Pods

Apple Watch Series 3  

Apple/iTunes Gift Card

Autobrain GPS Tracker for Vehicles

Iridium Extreme Satellite Phone  

Iridium GO! Satellite Phone Wi-Fi Hotspot

BlueCosmo Inmarsat IsatPhone

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Samsung Gear Fit2 Smartwatch Large, Black

SanDisk 32GB iXpand Flash Drive for iPhone and iPad

Galaxy Fold Z2

IPhone 12 Pro Max

IPhone SE

IPod Touch

Jitterbug Flip Phone

The Ridge Slim RFID Front Pocket Wallet

Tulips In The Breeze Smartphone Case

Red Parrot Smartphone Case

The COVID pandemic has created a new list of toys that people can’t do without — including some very cool high-tech solutions to unexpected challenges.  Like staying healthy and working from home!  Here are some of our favorites.

Cubii Pro Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine

I’m Smiling On The Inside Face Masks

iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer

iProvèn Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

KODAK Luma 150 Pocket Projector

No-Touch Door Opener, Button Pusher Tool

Owlet Smart Sock 2 Baby Monitor

PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer

Sony Tie-Clip-Style Omnidirectional Microphone

Total Gym APEX G5 Total Body Strength Training

Zacurate Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Have Fun Getting Your Stuff Together!

The ICE My Phone Kit

Did you know your smartphone can save your life? It can also save your spouse’s life, your kid’s lives and the lives of everyone you love! The secret is letting your phone do the talking for you in an emergency. How? With ICE, your in case of emergency contact. In “The ICE My Phone Kit” you’ll find step by step directions for ICEing, iPhones, Galaxies, regular Androids, Windows and even flip phones. Paperback Or Instant Download

At Your Fingertips | Make Your Smartphone Even Smarter

What if I told you, there was something you have with you right now, that can give you the support, information & ability you need to keep everyone and everything you love safe and sound, PLUS the power to gather your family in seconds no matter where they are. What is it? It’s your smartphone! At Your Fingertips is an easy to read, easy to use guide that turns your smartphone into your very own life preserver. Paperback Or Instant Download

How To Set Up Your ICE Contacts

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your iPhone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Samsung Galaxy Phone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Android Smartphone

How To Put An ICE Contact & Medical ID On Your Apple Watch

How To Set Up Your Medical ID & ICE Contact On The iPhone

How to put an ICE Contact on your Samsung Galaxy Lock Screen

Can I Put An ICE Contact On A Password Protected iPhone?

How To Find Your Patient’s Medical Information & ICE Contacts On An iPhone.

Cómo Colocar Un En Caso de Contacto de Emergencia En Su Teléfono Celular

Why Are ICE Contacts So Important?

Create An ICE Contact In 2 Minutes

The Two Things You should NEVER put in your ICE Contact

Don’t Carry A Wallet? Here are 20 Places To Put Your Emergency Wallet Card

Keep The People You Love Safe

How To Keep Your Medical History At Your Fingertips

How To Create A Family Evacuation Plan

How To Fill Out Your Child’s Emergency Contact Card

As Amazon Associates we earn commissions from qualifying purchases made from product links.

Updated On 3/2/21

What if I told you that you could put an ICE Contact on your Samsung Galaxy with everything it needs to have in it to save your life, in only 2 minutes?

In fact, even if you already have an ICE Contact on your regular Samsung Galaxy or Samsung Galaxy Note, I guarantee that you’re probably missing a few key pieces of information.

And with the way the world has been lately from hurricanes and wildfires to Coronavirus it’s more important than ever! Having an ICE contact is an awesome way keep your family safe and connected no matter WHAT is happening around you.

So what are you waiting for?  Grab your phone and let’s get started!

1  Put the word ICE, all capitals, in the First Name field.

2  Put your ICE Contact’s first and last name in the Last Name field.

3 Type in each and every one of your contact’s phone numbers.  

4 Type in all of your contact’s email addresses — again, every one you have for them.

5  Type in all of your contact’s social media handles/user names in the “Website” section of your contact.  You never know what type of communications will be working in an emergency.

Many people have reached loved ones on Facebook and Twitter, when cell phone and landline service was down.

6  If you don’t already have a field on your phone for Relationship, you can add one by tapping “Add New Field” and choosing the one called, “Relationship”.  Now you can choose Spouse, Friend, Parent — however this particular contact is related to you.

7  Your own allergies, medications and medical history go in the notes section.  Even better capitalize the words ALLERGIES, MEDICATIONS etc. to ensure that they’re seen.

8   You can also add your physician’s names and phone numbers in the notes section and if you like, a link to your own medical history form.  If you don’t have one, you can download one of ours. 

9   Is your contact in different locations on different days?  Add that in the notes section as well.

10   And finally, never, ever put your social security number or insurance member number into your ICE Contact.  You may put the name of your insurance company and their customer service number into the Notes section if you like, but as long as your emergency contact can provide that information when he or she gets to the hospital, it’s probably not necessary.

And by the way, when you set up your Medical ID in your iPhone, don’t forget that in an emergency, you can have your phone share the information in your Medical ID with physicians and first responders. In Health, click on your profile, then tap Medical ID, then Edit and turn on “Share During Emergency Call”.

And there you have it.  One fully loaded ICE Contact.  Two Minutes.

While you’re feeling proactive, don’t forget to put ICE Contacts on your spouse’s and kid’s phones too, along with each other’s contact information.

As amazing as our 2 Minute ICE Contact is, we have a high-powered, fully loaded version in our book “The ICE My Phone Kit” along with step by step directions for ICEing other phones like the IPhone 11, regular Androids and even phones that are, shall we say, not all that smart.

Have Fun Getting Your Stuff Together!

The ICE My Phone Kit

Did you know your smartphone can save your life? It can also save your spouse’s life, your kid’s lives and the lives of everyone you love! The secret is letting your phone do the talking for you in an emergency. How? With ICE, your in case of emergency contact. In “The ICE My Phone Kit” you’ll find step by step directions for ICEing, iPhones, Galaxies, regular Androids, Windows and even flip phones. Paperback Or Instant Download

At Your Fingertips | Make Your Smartphone Even Smarter

What if I told you, there was something you have with you right now, that can give you the support, information & ability you need to keep everyone and everything you love safe and sound, PLUS the power to gather your family in seconds no matter where they are. What is it? It’s your smartphone! At Your Fingertips is an easy to read, easy to use guide that turns your smartphone into your very own life preserver. Paperback Or Instant Download

How To Set Up Your ICE Contacts

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your iPhone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Samsung Galaxy Phone

How To Set Up An ICE Contact On Your Android Smartphone

How To Put An ICE Contact & Medical ID On Your Apple Watch

How To Set Up Your Medical ID & ICE Contact On The iPhone

How to put an ICE Contact on your Samsung Galaxy Lock Screen

Can I Put An ICE Contact On A Password Protected iPhone?

How To Find Your Patient’s Medical Information & ICE Contacts On An iPhone.

Cómo Colocar Un En Caso de Contacto de Emergencia En Su Teléfono Celular

Why Are ICE Contacts So Important?

Create An ICE Contact In 2 Minutes

The Two Things You should NEVER put in your ICE Contact

Don’t Carry A Wallet? Here are 20 Places To Put Your Emergency Wallet Card

Keep The People You Love Safe

How To Keep Your Medical History At Your Fingertips

How To Create A Family Evacuation Plan

How To Fill Out Your Child’s Emergency Contact Card