Child using phone for emergencies

[california_mom]

Soon this will be a moot point because my son will know how to use my iPhone, but until then I'm worrying...

We had an incident recently where my son and I were home alone for a few days, and we both ended up with fevers and really sick. One night I passed out, and that started me thinking. What would he do if I was incapacitated and couldn't phone for help myself?  

Although we have wonderful neighbors, I lock the doors at night and my 5-yr old son has a tough time opening the locks. So, assuming he is trapped inside the house, he would need to call for help.

We don't have a landline. Both my husband and I each have a cell phone. I know that's more and more common these days, so I'm wondering what parents do when they don't want to pay the $20-$30 extra per month for a landline. 

So far I've thought of getting my son a prepaid cell phone, but from what I've seen, those too come with a monthly fee/charge more often then not (which is what I'm trying to avoid). 

What else is there?

[Kamiro]

Can you set up your phone to automatic dial through a voice command? Have a pre set number with his voice recorded for the voice recognition...?

I don't know...We kept a landline for this very reason. I'm not sure I could even use an iphone!

Hope someone can help soon...

[chel]

Have you tried your child on the iPhone. My 3yr old can do a lot with apple stuff. If she could only talk, she could call

Rumor has it that a basic phone plugged into a wall can still dil 911. Anyone know if this is true.

[Pepper44]

iPhone is so easy! Unlock, hit the green phone button, dial a number.  My two year old knows how to call people on it!  She can also Facetime people, which is dangerous if say you are walking out of the shower naked and unsuspecting...

[mamazee]

I'd just teach him to dial 9-1-1 on your iPhone. I had to teach a kid to do that after I passed out with a particularly bad migraine headache and realized she'd been unsupervised for a period of time. I taught her how to call her dad and how to dial 9-1-1.

[frioct3]

Originally Posted by chel 

Have you tried your child on the iPhone. My 3yr old can do a lot with apple stuff. If she could only talk, she could call

Rumor has it that a basic phone plugged into a wall can still dil 911. Anyone know if this is true.

This is true in Toronto where I live. Definitely look into it in your area.

[brigala]

Check on the landline 911 option. 

If that doesn't work in your area, get a prepaid phone (such as a trackphone) or even just a used cell phone from Craigslist and leave it plugged in so the battery doesn't die.

You can ALWAYS call 911 from a cell phone, even if it's not currently under a service plan or not paid up with the prepaid service. You don't have to pay a monthly service charge to be able to dial 911.