State Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) is urging local residents to enlist in the Secretary of State’s Emergency Contact Database which provides a voluntary, secure list of a person’s emergency contacts for use by law enforcement.

“This program allows public safety officials with access to emergency contacts, something that is particularly vital during these winter months with driving is more dangerous,” Gordon said. “Oftentimes it is a struggle for law enforcement to notify next of kin in an emergency situation. With this database, that information will be easier to come by and make for a more prompt response in dealing with medical emergencies.”

The Emergency Contact Database was established in 2009, and there are currently over 150,000 people enrolled. Anyone with an Illinois drivers license, permit, or identification card can enter. A person can enter up to two emergency contacts. If at any time, someone wishes to change their emergency contacts he or she may do so. Constituents can enlist online at http://www.ilsos.gov/eci/.

“Unfortunately, accidents happen, but this program is essential to helping the authorities do their jobs,” Gordon added. “The worst thing that can happen is for someone to be hurt and no one be contacted. When enrolled into this database, a person can feel confident that the proper emergency contacts will be notified.”

Jehan Gordon represents the 92nd Representative District, which includes all or portions of Peoria, Peoria Heights, West Peoria, Bartonville, Edwards, Norwood, Kickapoo and Bellevue. For more information, please contact her constituent services office at (309) 681-1992.