1. What is ICE?
ICE is an abbreviation for In Case of Emergency.

2. What is ICEcare?
ICEcare is a mobile emergency preparedness solution for the twenty-first century that provides you, your family, friends and co-workers the tools you need in preparing for, surviving and recovering from an emergency or disaster. ICEcare runs on most popular mobile phone systems in use today.

3. What is emergency preparedness?
The planning, exercising and education necessary to achieve a state of readiness for disasters and emergencies. The objective of emergency preparedness is to simplify decision making during emergencies. Over the years, the combined efforts of federal, state and local government officials, as well as thousands of volunteers and first responders (such as police, firefighters, medical response personnel and hospital staff), corporations and NPOs have produced comprehensive emergency preparedness programs that assure the adequate protection of an individual or the public in the event of an emergency or disaster. The emergency preparedness process incorporates the means to rapidly identify, evaluate and react to a wide spectrum of emergency conditions. Emergency plans are dynamic and should be routinely reviewed and updated to reflect an ever changing environment. Mobile phones offer a unique opportunity to have an emergency preparedness tool kit, such as ICEcare, in the palm of your hand.

4. My emergency contacts are already defined by ICE in my cell phone address book.
Should I still install the ICEcare software?
Yes, you should definitely use ICEcare software.
Reference for ICE contact in your mobile phone address book seemed like a good idea but it has many severe limitations. First Responders usually do not have the time to call to report an emergency. If they make a call, then their top priority is to learn about any allergies you may have or medications you may be taking at that time. ICEcare software eliminates the need for that call and enables them to treat you right away.

5. What are the severe limitations in using ICE reference on my cell phone address book?
During an emergency, every second counts. ICE reference on cell phone address book requires the Paramedic to call your emergency contact and that is a loss of valuable time that could have been utilized in treating you. Furthermore, there are many reasons why calling ICE contact may not be a good idea. For instance:

• Your phone may be dead due to the impact caused by the accident
  Note: ICEcare software has two additional options to cover this case
  
• You may be out of network coverage area and your call may not go through
  Note: With ICEcare software, your critical data is resident on the device at all times
  
• Your contact may be on another call and not realize that you are in emergency
  If they see your caller ID, they will call you back but that is loss of critical timing
  
• Say, the call goes through. A bad phone connection can prevent a clear communication.
  Different accents may further hamper clear communication and cause loss of time.
  
• Say, the call is good. What if the emergency contact gets shocked hearing this news?
  

6. Why is my ICEcare profile stored on my mobile phone and at ICEcare.net?
ICEcare profile on your mobile phone retains your critical data for instantaneous access, regardless of network coverage. There are three reasons for retaining your ICEcare profile on ICEcare.net:

• ICEcare is the only mobile emergency preparedness platform that provides critical emergency information to first responders and hospital staff even if your mobile phone is damaged, inoperable or locked. In the event your phone is inoperable, the ICEcare sticker has a unique number that will allow first responders to get limited medical information and emergency contacts from the ICEcare.net website.
  
• When you buy a new phone, if you have an ICEcare profile on ICEcare.net, you can download your ICEcare profile to the new phone instantly, no need to retype all your information into the new device.
  
• If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, you can erase your ICEcare profile from your mobile phone from any internet enabled device. This feature is available once you log into your ICEcare.net account and authenticate yourself.

7. Where can I get my ICEcare sticker?
The ICEcare Sticker can be acquired from the ICEcare software on your mobile phone - under the Communiqué tab.

8. Where can I get my ICEcare Card for my wallet?
The ICEcare Card can be acquired from the ICEcare software on your mobile phone - under the Communiqué tab.

9. What do I do to make the ICEcare sticker active once I have attached it to my phone?
Login to your profile on ICEcare.net and go to My Account - Apply Sticker tab.

10. Do I need a new ICEcare sticker when I acquire a new mobile phone?
Yes. The ICEcare Sticker is not designed to be removed from your mobile phone.

11. How can I help my community prepare?
There are many ways you can help your community. You can help strengthen your neighborhood, state and nation through volunteerism and service. Volunteering to support your first responders during these tough economic times is one good way to help your community. Another way to help is to learn new skills that can help you and your family be prepared for all types of emergencies, like learning CPR.

12. How can I prepare my family for a disaster?
Emergency events can occur quickly and without warning. Planning for any emergency requires considering all likely scenarios. If you are able to stay at home, electricity, water, heat, air conditioning, telephone service and transportation could be disrupted or lost for a considerable amount of time. It is important to develop an emergency preparedness plan that includes:

• An emergency preparedness kit
  
• At least two emergency meeting places. Pick one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as fire. Pick at least one other place outside your neighborhood in case you are told to evacuate or can’t return home.
  
• An emergency communications plan. Choose an out-of-town person to be your contact point for family members to call if you are separated. Make sure everyone has contact information including phone numbers and e-mail addresses
  
• Information about school and workplace emergency plans.
  

13. What should be in an Emergency Preparedness Kit?
An emergency preparedness kit can be organized for any emergency. Keep the items that you would most likely need at home in one easy-to-carry container such as a trash can, plastic storage container, camping backpack or duffel bag. Store it in a convenient place, and put a smaller version in your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Remember to change stored water and rotate food supplies and medications every six months. Check the supplies and re-think your needs every year. Consult your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications and maintain a list of your prescription needs.

Suggested Checklist:

Water (recommended amount is one gallon per person per day) Non-perishable food First aid supplies Medication Battery-powered radio and batteries Flashlight Duct tape Cash/traveler's checks Clothing Bedding Tools Toiletry items Special needs Important documents Pet supplies

14. What if there is a situation that is not covered by the application (ICEcare)?
ICEcare tries to cover the most common emergency situations. Please contact us with your suggestions for enhancements.