Emergency cell phone installation nearly complete

Four new cellular emergency call boxes, installed on red poles on both sides of the north and south pedestrian overpasses, should be operating by the end of the week, according to David R. Bouhl, deputy director of information technology.

Four new cellular emergency call boxes - easily recognized by the bright red paint - are expected to be operating by the end of the week on both sides of the north and south pedestrian overpasses.

Similar to call boxes located throughout campus, the new emergency call boxes will automatically link to SIUC Department of Public Safety dispatchers, Director Todd D. Sigler said.

Technological advancements allow installation of the new call boxes without costs associated with installing power lines. A charging system within the apparatus will keep the phones charged from existing overpass light poles. Batteries inside the cellular equipment will remain charged during the day and in the event of a power failure, Bouhl said.

Using cellular applications cut installation costs by about one-third, Bouhl said.

Sigler noted that although the U.S. Highway 51 overpasses are heavily traveled, emergency phone service was not previously available in those locations.

There are plans to paint the remaining 15 free-standing call boxes throughout the campus red when the weather improves. The change from brown to red provides greater daytime visibility.

There also are emergency call boxes at residence hall entrances. Campus-wide, there are about 39 emergency call boxes.