Emergency Blue Phones

How do blue emergency phones work?

The primary purpose of campus blue light emergency phones is to immediately connect the caller with emergency services. That might mean a direct line to the local police campus dispatch center. Morgan State University’s blue emergency phones provide direct communication with the campus police department. 

Typically, these phones are lit by a blue light that’s easy to see in the darkness (hence the alternate name emergency blue light phones). In some cases, the light might flash to deter nearby suspicious activity, as well as alert security officers or campus police to an emergency. In some cases, the caller may not be able to speak freely, so the light works as a backup to draw law enforcement to the location of the phone. Most of our Emergency Blue Light phones are equipped with video cameras, which MSUPD can see when the call button is activated.

Why use a blue emergency phone instead of a mobile phone to call for help? While mobile phones are portable and should be used in emergencies when there are no other communication options, they might be low on battery or out of signal range. Additionally, in high-stress situations, being able to push a single button and immediately reach the relevant emergency services is simpler than calling 9-1-1 and attempting to explain where you are and what’s happening.

When should someone use a blue emergency phone?

Campus dwellers should use these phones without hesitation if they feel like they’re in danger lists a few examples in its emergency blue light phone guidelines:

• Fire emergencies
• Crimes in progress
• Medical emergencies
• Accidents
• Reporting suspicious behavior or activity