You’re in trouble. You need help. One of the reasons you got a cell phone was for emergencies… will it come through when you need it?
Cell phone consultant Chris Andrews, of Andrews.com Cell Phones, offers these 8 cell phone tips that could save your life.
1) Many cell phones now come with a 911 quick dial button. This feature could be a life saver for elderly or low tech users. If yours doesn’t have this, consider putting 911 into speed dial.
2) Being stranded because of car trouble can put you in a vulnerable position. Put your auto club into your cell phone’s address book in case you lock yourself out of your car, need gas, or have a flat tire or breakdown.
3) Enter ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts in your address book. If you are unable to communicate, rescue personal will be able to look for contacts labeled ‘ICE’ and will understand that is an emergency contact.
4) If you have special health concerns or are on medication, put this information into a voice memo or document and paste a sticker on your cell phone that says ‘ICE’ and a note on where to find this information.
5) If you’re in an emergency and can’t get reception – get to a high point, or if you’re in a city, to an intersection. Try to find a location where there is the least chance of having mountains or buildings block the signal. Hold the phone high and upright – signals travel perpendicular to the antenna – if it’s being held sideways or in at an odd angle you may get a weaker signal.
6) If your battery is running low or the signal strength is weak, send a text message to an emergency contact. Text messages require less power and can transmit over a weaker signal than a voice. Texting to 911 will not work – you must send it to a friend or family member that can contact emergency services for you.
7) A growing number of schools, communities and even large employers are implementing emergency alert systems. After signing up for these alerts, authorities can warn and provide instructions to you through your cell phone during a crises. Contact your local government, school or company administrators to see if they offer this service.
8) And of course, talking on a cell phone (even hands free) or texting while driving is a bad mix. Studies have shown that you are four times more likely to get in a serious accident when driving while talking on a cell phone. You are twenty three times more likely to be in an accident if driving while texting.
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