A popular commercial for Priceline.com, the discount airfare retailer that allows you to bid for airline tickets, shows Priceline Negotiator William Shatner receiving a phone call on the emergency line. Apparently someone needs help with the bidding process and Shatner is dispatched in a hurry to make sure the bidder shows the proper amount of chutzpah while trying to get the lowest fare.

While the commercial itself is amusing, there is an underlying and unintentional theme that resonates with most businesses and individuals. Emergency phones, it seems, are for MI6 of James Bond, Maxwell Smart, caped crusaders, or the president only. In reality, emergency phone systems can be a vital tool for helping businesses deal with events that can compromise employee and customer safety as well as business continuity.

Because power failures rarely affect phone service, many business owners assume that dedicated emergency phone systems are an expensive safety precaution that will never be utilized. Unfortunately, they are wrong on both counts. Emergency lines aren't meant for outside communication when lines are down. They are meant for business areas that are less than secure or pose a risk to those who may be in them. Elevators are a good example. Most elevators will malfunction at on time or another during the course of their useful lives. If someone stuck in an elevator has a medical condition and needs medication immediately as a result, rescue personnel can make sure it is administered as quickly as possible through the use of emergency phones. Otherwise, those who are stuck must rely on the ?call? button, which is ineffective for communicating the pertinent details of the situation.

Parking garages are another good example. Most are poorly lit, have little traffic and are prime locations for accidents and criminal activity. Having a security phone clearly marked is not only a deterrent for criminals, it also makes contacting emergency or security personnel possible in the event of an accident. Underground garages where cell phone signals won't pass are especially suited to emergency phones.

Emergency phone systems aren't terribly expensive, especially in light of what they offer. They add a layer of security to areas that are traditionally less than secure. While businesses can't control when emergencies will happen, they can keep their employees and customers safer and be better equipped to handle emergencies through the use of emergency phone systems. Whether caused by accidents, criminal activity or equipment malfunctions, emergencies that require the ability to reach help present a real danger and a liability to businesses. Emergency phones can help limit the danger and protect business interests by keeping personnel and customers safe.