Clark Howard

This cell phone feature could save your life

Following Hurricane Harvey’s destruction in Texas, we wanted to share an important reminder about updating emergency contact information in your cell phone.

Read more: Best cell phone plans and deals for 2017

This smartphone feature can help during an emergency

After last year's Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Facebook user Candi Norton stressed the importance of making sure that first responders obtain this information without having to break into your phone.

Her Facebook post walks you through the iPhone’s Medical ID feature, which can let emergency crews get your medical information — even if your phone is locked.

In addition to emergency contacts, you can add details about medications, allergies and your blood type.

iPhone users

If you have an iPhone, simply enable the Medical ID feature using the health app. You want to make sure that “Show When Locked” is turned on so that emergency crews can access the feature without your passcode.

Android users

Your Android device may or may not have a similar feature. If your phone doesn’t, you can download an ICE (In Case of Emergency) app, but check to see if the app can be accessed from the lock screen.

All smartphone users

Finally, there’s another way to get the job done that works for all smartphones. Just type your information into any note-taking app, take a screenshot and set it as your lock screen wallpaper.

Read more: 4 apps that could save your life in an emergency