GRAYSON COUNTY, Tex. ―When fatal accidents happen law enforcement says one problem they run into is to contacting next of kin. Now the victim's cell phone can help them notify family members more quickly. Rita Kotey has the story of the ongoing initiative.

Many of us have at least 50 numbers in our cell phones, ranging from family members to co-workers. In some cases of accidents or sudden illnesses, your cell phone is all that first responders have to notify your next of kin.

But now they are getting a little help from a system called "I.C.E.".

Lieutenant Mike Eppler of the Denison Police Department says contacting next of kin in the case of fatal accidents is difficult, but it is one of their top priorities.

"If there is no documentation in the car, no other people in the car, no one that knows where this person is, sometimes it’s a more lengthy process," Eppler says.

Officials say a paramedic came up with an idea when he would go to the scene of accidents and find cell phones but did not know who to call. That was the birth of the "I.C.E." system.

I.C.E. stands for "In Case of Emergency," and it's a code for the person you would like to be contacted during emergencies. Simply entering the number of the appropriate person in your phone as "I.C.E." can save first responders time searching for your emergency contact person, and that time could mean the difference between life and death.

"Something readily available like that where if people knew that you could activate this and get a name and a number that would be a big help," Eppler says.

You can enter more than one person in your cell phone as I.C.E. Just add the numbers 1, 2, or 3 next after each entry.

You can be a part of the online “I.C.E.” initiative. Simply click “Email this story” above and send it to friends and family.