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Our Mission

The mission of TIFFs Initiative is to strengthen communication channels between emergency first responder agencies and families or other designated loved ones, through emergency contact information (ECI) on an as needed basis in critical situations.

Every Second Counts

Join the TIFF Challenge Today

In an emergency, seconds can save lives. By adding your emergency contact information, you’re giving first responders the tools they need to protect you and your loved ones. It’s quick, easy, and could make all the difference when it matters most. Take the challenge now and help us build a safer community—because every second truly counts.

About TIFF

TIFF – To Inform Families First was founded by Christine Olson, the mother of Tiffiany, a young woman killed in a traffic accident in 2005. Christine did not learn of this tragedy until 6 and a half hours after the accident happened.

Reflecting on Tiffiany’s accident and the agony it caused inspired Christine to ensure other families never need to suffer the same situation. Christine dedicated her efforts and sought to change and improve the current system.

With the support of then Florida State Representative Bill Galvano, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and law enforcement agencies. TIFF, a voluntary Emergency Contact Information program went into effect on October 2, 2006 in the state of Florida.

Christine Olson proudly registered as the first individual in the TIFF system. The program has since been adopted into 15 states, with the goal and vision to take TIFF nationally, and possibly internationally. There is not a person or situation that couldn’t benefit from the service that TIFF provides.

Did you know it takes an average of six hours for law enforcement to find and notify families in an accident or other emergency? I didn't either, until it happened to my family. I founded TIFF so that families will no longer have to wonder, "What if I'd been able to be there?"

Christine Olson

TIFF Founder

In Emergencies, Every Second Counts for Your Loved Ones.

Through Christine’s initiative honoring her daughter’s legacy, law enforcement is equipped with a means to obtain vital information, and families are afforded the opportunity to be quickly notified should an emergency arise. When Christine came to me with her idea in 2006 I was eager to help because it made perfect sense. No family should have to endure unnecessary delays in receiving information about a loved one that has been involved in an accident or emergency. After implementing TIFF’s Initiative in Florida nearly 20 years ago, Christine continues to work tirelessly to get this program established in states throughout the U.S. Christine’s advocacy will continue to make a difference in countless lives.

Bill Galvano | 88th President of the Florida Senate

Florida Highway Patrol Troopers respond to traffic crashes and emergencies every single day. Thanks to the adoption of Tiff’s Initiative in 2006, Troopers have roadside access to emergency contact information through a simple swipe of your driver’s license, saving precious notification minutes or possibly hours!

Making an emergency notification is one of the hardest aspects of a trooper’s job. Having personally made hundreds of next of kin and emergency contact notifications over the years, one thing is always true, the desire to know as soon as possible if an emergency occurred. Albeit it is extremely difficult to deliver unfortunate news, having the ability to quickly locate family, a friend or loved one of your choice, allows us to do so efficiently and respectfully as possible.

Please take a moment to ensure your emergency contact information is registered / current. None of us know when a tragedy could happen, so the few minutes to register is vital.

Lt. Gregory S. Bueno | Public Affairs Division | Florida Highway Patrol

"As the Sheriff of Manatee County, I can tell you first hand how useful and effective To Inform Family First (TIFF) is to law enforcement. With TIFF we can notify the victim’s family in a matter of minutes of an emergency involving their loved one. This is the most important notification a law enforcement officer has to make and being able to make it quickly, could result in precious time for a family. It only takes a few minutes to register with TIFF but can save hours if you or a family member are in an emergency situation. Please register today."

Making an emergency notification is one of the hardest aspects of a trooper’s job. Having personally made hundreds of next of kin and emergency contact notifications over the years, one thing is always true, the desire to know as soon as possible if an emergency occurred. Albeit it is extremely difficult to deliver unfortunate news, having the ability to quickly locate family, a friend or loved one of your choice, allows us to do so efficiently and respectfully as possible.

Please take a moment to ensure your emergency contact information is registered / current. None of us know when a tragedy could happen, so the few minutes to register is vital.

Sheriff Rick Wells | Manatee County, Florida

I am honored to publicly endorse such a worthy mission as To Inform Families First (TIFF). Christine Olson lost her precious daughter, Tiffiany, in 2005 and several hours passed before the family was located and notified. Christine saw a need to help other families, rolled up her sleeves and took charge.
Her efforts have produced a highly effective program to register your contact information through your driver’s license or identification card. The information is kept on file and can assist our law enforcement agencies find the family members during a critical incident.
TIFF is now being actively implemented in at least 17 states and continues to grow. Please take a moment and register your information for you and your family members. A moment now will help save precious minutes locating the families needed.

Mayor Gene Brown | City of Bradenton

"After speaking with Christine and learning of her powerful story, I am proud to support To Inform Families First, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that families are notified swiftly and compassionately in the event of an emergency. That is why I introduced the To Inform Families First Act, which would provide states with grants and technical assistance to include emergency contact information on driver’s licenses. Together, we can make a difference to help inform families of emergencies in a timely manner and bring peace of mind to millions of American families.”

U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16)

Lt. Gregory S. Bueno | Public Affairs Division | Florida Highway Patrol

Sheriff Rick Wells | Manatee County, Florida

"As the Sheriff of Manatee County, I can tell you first hand how useful I am honored to publicly endorse such a worthy mission as To Inform Families First (TIFF). Christine Olson lost her precious daughter, Tiffiany, in 2005 and several hours passed before the family was located and notified. Christine saw a need to help other families, rolled up her sleeves and took charge.
Her efforts have produced a highly effective program to register your contact information through your driver’s license or identification card. The information is kept on file and can assist our law enforcement agencies find the family members during a critical incident.
TIFF is now being actively implemented in at least 17 states and continues to grow. Please take a moment and register your information for you and your family members. A moment now will help save precious minutes locating the families needed.With TIFF we can notify the victim’s family in a matter of minutes of an emergency involving their loved one. This is the most important notification a law enforcement officer has to make and being able to make it quickly, could result in precious time for a family. It only takes a few minutes to register with TIFF but can save hours if you or a family member are in an emergency situation. Please register today."

Making an emergency notification is one of the hardest aspects of a trooper’s job. Having personally made hundreds of next of kin and emergency contact notifications over the years, one thing is always true, the desire to know as soon as possible if an emergency occurred. Albeit it is extremely difficult to deliver unfortunate news, having the ability to quickly locate family, a friend or loved one of your choice, allows us to do so efficiently and respectfully as possible.

Please take a moment to ensure your emergency contact information is registered / current. None of us know when a tragedy could happen, so the few minutes to register is vital.

Mayor Gene Brown | City of Bradenton

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Register and Get Involved, Be Part of World Change

“How wonderful it is that nobody needs wait a single moment before starting to change the world.”

Anne Frank

Register: Ensure Your Loved Ones Are Informed in an Emergency

Register your emergency contact information with TIFF easily through your current DMV—no fees, no appointments, and accessible right from your phone or computer. Take this simple step to link your contacts to your ID and ensure faster notifications when it matters most.

Donate: Support Life-Saving Communication

Every donation to TIFF helps expand our reach, advocate for emergency contact programs across more states, and streamline the process of notifying families in times of crisis. Your contribution enables us to improve and maintain systems that makes sure no family waits for critical news.

Advocate: Help Spread Awareness and Inspire Change

You can make a difference by advocating for TIFF’s mission in your community and beyond. Encourage others to register, support local legislation, or share our message on social media. By standing together, we can ensure that emergency notification becomes a priority across the nation.

Volunteer: Be Part of the TIFF Mission

Volunteers are the heart of TIFF. Whether you’re helping at events, assisting with outreach, or providing administrative support, your time and effort make a meaningful impact. Join us in spreading awareness, connecting with communities, and supporting families during critical moments.

Ready to Change Lives? Become a Champion of Change with Us!

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OUR GALLERY

Portraits of Compassion

TIFF Timeline

TIFF Makes History

This picture reflects Christine Olson on October 2nd 2006 registering her emergency contacts. History takes place as she is the first person to ever suggest the creation of an emergency contact information database be extended to the DMV records.

Senator Bill Galvano

Florida State Senator Bill Galvano (26) takes up TIFF's Initiative in his annual official legislative update.

To Inform Families First Week

Florida Governor Charlie Crist declared October 2 - 8, 2008 as "To Inform Families First" week.

Harvard Institute

The Ash Institute at Harvard voted the Emergency Contact Information (ECI) program one of the top 50 best government innovations

Innovations in Govt Award Release

Website Redesign

Manatee Technical College(Formerly known as Manatee Technical Institute) Manatee Technical College participated in a community service project to redesign TIFF's website for the first time.

Christine met Matthew Vreman a web developer at a local college who donated her first website build. Today he is still a volunteer showing the power of the TIFF movement.

2011 Update

As of January of 2011, over 5,000,000 people have registered their emergency contact information in the state of Florida alone, and has been used over 600,000 times.

To learn more about the history of FL ECI go to https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/emergency-contact-information-history/

Application Story

In April 2012, a young college student named Georgia Gibbons was hit by a car while crossing the road late at night in Tallahassee, Florida. Thanks to TIFF, Georgia's mother was notified of her daughter's
accident within an hour.

TIFF State of Florida Resolution in Tallahassee Governor Rick Scott

Legislation Pushed

In April 2015, Legislation pushed by Manatee County Resident for driver emergency contact information heads to governor's desk. Read more here: Bradenton Herald Article (April 30, 2015).

TIFF Florida Update

As of January in 2016, 11,835,933 Florida residents have registered with the Florida Emergency Contact Information program

Sarah Troy interviews Christine

Canadian radio show host interviews Christine, with interest in getting TIFFs Initiative in Canada.

Local Sheriff Support

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells does an interview sharing just how relevant the mission of TIFFs Initiative is to all law enforcement.
Click here to view the interview

Giving Challenge

TIFFs Initiative took part in the Sarasota/Manatee county Giving Challenge 2020, and was extremely blessed by everyone who donated

2021 Update!

After 15 years, well over 19 million in FL alone are now registered. The 2021 goal was to scatter seeds of solution across our nation and beyond. Click here to read about the 15 year anniversary of TIFF.

On October 23rd, 2021, TIFF celebrated their 15th anniversary with a special Ride of Awareness across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to raise awareness. The bridge was illuminated in Tiffiany's favorite color (purple)

October 19th 2022 United States Coast Guard provides up close experience to viewing the Skyway Bridge in Florida turn a magnificent purple hue in honor of Tiffs Initiative, To Inform Families First honoring the legacy of Tiffiany Marie Olson of whom the program was named in honor of.

On December 7th 2023, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 35 that will bring Tiffs Initiative into my home state early 2024. State Representative Pronschinske as well as Senator Jesse James seen the importance of being able to add emergency contact information to a drivers license or state issued I.D. just is and proud to bring it to all Wisconsin residents. It has also caused me to set a date of October 2nd 2026, Tiffs Initiative 20th anniversary, as the target to have TIFF available nationwide. I personally am asking for everyone's help with those in a position that can make this happen.

Wisconsin Legislature: SB35 Bill. TIFF implemented in State of Wisconsin, my home state. TIFF is one of those things you just can't put off till tomorrow.

October Update!

A recent visit to Ohio was a great opportunity to stop and meet with Ohio Highway Patrol and share the story of Tiffs Initiative and reason behind the emergency contact system they now use. They were so grateful I did. (Channel 5 story)

November Update!

November 2024 TIFF receives City of Bradenton proclamation and Key to the City in special presentation by Mayor Gene Brown

March 2025

In March 2025, North Dakota updated its driver system to allow residents to add emergency contact information to their driver’s license or state-issued ID records. This addition allows law enforcement to quickly access and reach out to loved ones during critical situations. The additional fields were also added to the online pre-application.

The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 22,000 drivers enrolling in the new system within the first month alone. The North Dakota Department of Transportation encourages all residents to take a few moments to add their emergency contact details. Doing so could make all the difference when it matters most ensuring that family members are informed quickly in the event of an emergency.