Emergency telephone facts for kids

An emergency telephone is a special phone you can use when something urgent happens. You often find these phones on big roads like highways. They are also in places where people might feel unsafe, such as large parks or university campuses.

Emergency telephone in an elevator

Emergency phone next to a highway in Germany

How Do Emergency Phones Work?

Emergency phones usually connect directly to help. You don't need to dial a phone number. Just lifting the phone or pushing a button will make the call. These phones often tell the person on the other end exactly where the call is coming from. This is very helpful because people might not know their exact location. They could also be in shock after an accident.

Why Are Emergency Phones Special?

There are many special rules for emergency telephones. They need to be in specific colors. This is important so that people with color blindness can still easily see them. They also need to be very easy to use. In an emergency, people often don't have time to figure out complicated instructions.

Images for kids

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  Call box on U.S. Interstate Highway

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  Street police phone in Odessa

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  Emergency telephone on a beach at Trefor in North Wales

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  An integrated, pedestal style emergency telephone on a college campus