The following article appeared in the May 5, 2010 edition of the “Dear Abby” newspaper column:

“Early this year, my mother went to the curb to collect the empty trash bin.  As she wheeled it behind her home, she slipped on the ice and broke her hip.  She lives alone and was in the back of her property.  Fortunately, she’d had the foresight to grab her cell phone before she went outside.  Because she was unable to stand up she could have frozen to death.  She called 911 and within minutes an ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital.  Mom had surgery to repair the hip and is recovering, but it was a close call.  This is a reminder to your readers that if they live alone to make sure to have a cell phone available at all times”.

This advice is perfect for all people – you never know when, where, how, or why you may need to make an emergency phone call.  If you don’t have a cell phone for this purpose, please contact your local law enforcement agency or senior citizens group to see if they have them available.  The 911 Cell Phone Bank exists for this very purpose – to provide such communications to those who are in need.  If none exist in your local area, contact the 911 Cell Phone Bank at www.911cellphonebank.org and find out how you can begin a collection / distribution center in your area.