In the course of daily life, you’ve likely walked through parking lots or garages and noticed a tall tower or wall mounted device with a blue light installed in or around the area. These safety devices, formally known as blue light phones, aren’t random at all. They are purposeful and effective parking lot safety tools that are installed by municipalities, businesses, colleges, healthcare facilities and other groups that make safety a priority.
Blue light phones are emergency communication devices installed in spaces such as parking lots, campuses, high-traffic, and remote areas that can make direct calls to emergency services in cases of crime, medical emergencies, and any other instances where help may be needed. They are typically placed in easily visible spots to ensure that anyone who needs assistance can quickly access help. The phones get their name because of the blue light that illuminates on the tower or wall mount, which makes the phone easy to spot in darkness, crowds, etc. Now that we’ve answered the question ‘what are the blue lights in parking lots’, let’s dive into why they’re an important part of a parking lot safety plan.
Safety in Large and/or Isolated Areas: Remote, dark, open spaces can be intimidating, especially after dark. Poor lighting, isolated locales, and a lack of foot traffic can leave people feeling vulnerable. Blue light phones provide a quick way to get help if threatened or encountering an emergency. Whether it's a car breakdown, medical emergency, or potential security threat, the blue light phone can act as the quickest form of communication in order to get responders directly to the location of the blue light phone.
Visible & Easy to Find: The bright blue light seen in the parking lot is one of the phone’s most important features, drawing attention to its location. In an emergency, this visibility can be crucial, helping both the person in need, and responders, quickly locate the device. The blue light and tall steel or aluminum tower ensure that help can be located swiftly, day or night, in places where people may not otherwise know where to find assistance.
Direct, Reliable Connectivity: Blue light phones connect directly to campus security, local law enforcement, or emergency dispatchers. This is a crucial lifeline in situations where a mobile phone may have no connectivity or power. The blue light phone could be programmed to call a local responder rather than a central station monitoring service or a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) such as 911--either could be miles away.
Deter Crime: The presence of blue light phones can deter criminal activity. They stand as a symbol that the property owners are vigilant about parking lot safety. Some blue light phones, like models made by Talkaphone, also have a camera attachment option, enabling video surveillance and documentation 24/7. This can reduce the likelihood of crimes such as theft, harassment, or assault, especially in areas that might otherwise feel unsafe.
Easy to Use: Most blue light phones are activated by the simple press of a button, which will prompt a direct call between the user and emergency responder. Details such as the location the user is calling from does not need to be given, as most blue light phones are able to self-identify the physical location through Caller ID and a pre-recorded voice message that plays at the beginning of a call. This makes the calls incredibly easy to make, as well as much more efficient and timely.
Blue light phones are a critical component of parking lot safety, offering visibility, reliability, and deterrence in potentially vulnerable spaces. These devices provide an immediate lifeline to emergency services, ensuring swift response in times of need. Their easy-to-use design and prominent blue lights make them indispensable in promoting safety and security. As the leader in blue light phone solutions, Talkaphone sets the standard with both wall mount and towers that create safer environments for all.
To learn more about Talkaphone blue light phone solutions, click here: https://www.talkaphone.com/products/blue-light-phones