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KIRKSVILLE, MO. --  

When storms threaten the area, many people turn to their cell phones for weather updates.

U.S. Cellular recommends downloading apps on your phone to stay up to date with breaking news.

U.S. Cellular also suggests having important numbers handy and backing them up.

But, there is something simple you can do in case of an emergency.

“ICE is a really neat thing to put in your phone just to make sure you stay safe,” Store Manager Josh Beelman said.  “ICE stands for “In Case of Emergency,” so first responders will take your phone and then actually look into it to see if there's an in case of emergency contact in there.”

Simply put ICE in front of a person's name or title, such as "ICE Mom" or "ICE Dad."

Beelman said to make sure you let the person know you have put him or her in your phone as an emergency contact.

He also advises that you keep your phone fully charged when possible.

Beelman said U.S. Cellular offers free wireless emergency alerts where you can get free text messages to know if there is a storm coming in your specific area.