PDT Staff Report

Shawnee State University is working with the Portsmouth Police Department to promote a new on-campus program called In Case of Emergency.

ICE was started three years ago by a paramedic in London, England. It has spread its way to the United States and other parts of the world.

The plan calls for having ICE listings in a student's or staff member's cell phone directory to help emergency personnel know who to contact in case of an emergency.

For instance, an entry would say "ICE John Doe," followed by the phone number of "John Doe."

Those taking part in the program would also place an ICE sticker on the corner of their car windshield and on the back of their cell phones to let emergency workers know they participate in the program.

"It's a great program that would benefit the campus community in case an emergency does occur," said Bob Pratt, chief of Security at SSU. "It's important to be able to contact a loved one during times of emergency."

SSU has been promoting the program at student orientations, on the university Web site and at student activities.

"The resident advisors will also be informed of the program during a breakfast meeting to help promote the program to the campus community, Pratt said.

For more information or to request ICE brochures and stickers, call Pratt at (740) 351-3888, or e-mail him at rpratt@shawnee.edu.