Important: Ohio Next-of-Kin Database

As we’re heading north today for FireDad’s sister’s wedding, I thought it would be a good time to impart some more safety information. I’ll start with some questions: Do you live in Ohio? Have you entered your information on the Next-of-Kin database? Wait. Let me guess. Your answer is no because you didn’t know about the Next-of-Kin database. It’s okay. It’s new.

And it’s the first in the country.

Basically, while you may have ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers programmed into your cell phone or a card with emergency contact information in your wallet, finding that information wastes time or, if the accident was severe, next to impossible. What if, like me, your cell phone battery is dead when the firefighters arrive? What if while searching through your horribly messy wallet full of receipts from Chipotle (again, me), the police can’t locate your information card? Why waste the time? If you are unable to provide your own information, those on the scene will simply run your information and contact your contacts within minutes instead of hours.

Simply sign into the Next-of-Kin datatabase on Ohio’s BMV website. You’ll need your Driver’s License Number, your birthdate, first letter of your last name, the last four digits of your Social Security Number and the ability to fill out a captcha. (If you’re like me, that means two or three tries.) After you login to your account, you will then enter the information of the people you want alerted in case something happens to you. While I am usually with FireDad when we are travelling any serious distance, I did list him as my first emergency contact. Most accidents occur within a mile of home, which is usually only how far I get on my own, and so I thought it would be best to list him. My second emergency contact is a secret and I hope she never finds out who she is.

If you have not entered your information, please take the time and enter it. Now. I’ve known about it since it launched earlier this month but I just sat down earlier this week and entered my information. Don’t procrastinate. No one plans when they’re going to have an accident. (Need more info? FAQ’s here.)

If you read about the reasons this database, the first in the country, mind you, was started, well, you’ll get the point as to why it is so important for you to enter your information. Now. Don’t cheat your loved ones out of those “last seven hours.” Don’t forget to have your teen drivers enter the database as well. (Teens are required to list their parents as their emergency contacts.)

Seriously, Ohioans. Do it. Now. I want to see comments from all of my Ohio readers when we get home from this wedding weekend alerting me to the fact that you’ve entered your information. I care about you and your families too much to let you pass this one up.

Be safe. Be prepared. Be smart.