News & Resources
Emergency Information: How to Store It and Share It When Tragedy Strikes
None of us ever wants to be in a situation where medical responders need to contact our family members to alert them of an injury. However, life can be incredibly unexpected. And, unfortunately, serious injury can occur when you least expect it. So it’s important to make sure that first responders have access to the necessary information to keep you safe and your family informed. But how to do it?
These days, everyone has a password on their phone to ensure that the information you keep there remains private. However, in times of crisis, privacy is going to be the last thing on everyone’s mind. But, in lieu of leaving your phone unlocked and open for anyone to peek into, what can you do? Rest assured, there are a number of options that can make a huge difference when an unexpected tragedy strikes.
There’s an App for That
For iPhone users, one of the easiest ways to do this is to put your information into the Health app. This app can be accessed from the lock screen. Simply put, if you’re unable to unlock your phone, emergency responders will still have access to all of the information on that app. From medication allergies to next of kin, this could make the process of identifying you and your loved ones so much easier.
Don’t have an iPhone? No worries. Similar apps are available for Android users through the Google Play Store.
The Yellow Dot Program
For residents of St. Lucie, Palm Beach, and Broward Counties, the yellow dot program is also an option. This program is a simple and effective way to inform responders of where they can find your health and contact information, should you be involved in a serious collision.
The driver simply places a small vinyl dot on the driver’s side rear window of the car and fills out important health and contact information, which they place in a yellow envelope in the glove compartment. When responders see the dot—which can be seen even after serious damage has occurred to the car, and even from far distances—they will know to look in the glove compartment for the envelope with your info.
The yellow dot kits can be found at all St. Lucie County fire stations and other locations.
Link Contacts to Your License
Want more options? We’ve got you covered. Another program with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles allows drivers to tie up to two emergency contacts to their driver’s license. But don’t worry about that information being shared. The emergency contact information is only available to law enforcement and only in an emergency.
If you’re interested in this option, you can enter your information online, or visit your nearest driver’s license office.
It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
We are proud to live in a state that understands the importance of safety and is working in this innovative age to ensure that you and yours can be tended to, no matter what situation occurs. That said, we understand that even the best-made plans may not work as you expected. And, after a serious injury or accident, you may find yourself needing a Tampa car accident lawyer.
If that’s the case, then rest assured that we are here for you. Feel free to contact the office to set up an initial consultation. We’ll be happy to meet with you, hear your story, and determine your best next step on the road to recovery.
