What is a “Safety Number”?

A Safety Number is a toll free number (i.e. an 800, 877, 888, 866 number) that parents can obtain so children can call home for FREE from any telephone in the United States. If your child needs to get a hold of you because they are lost, scared, hurt, or in trouble, they can pick up any phone (even a payphone) and call home even if they don’t have any money on them.

Most people think a Toll-Free number is primarily used for businesses. There are some famous Toll-Free numbers like 1 800 CONTACTS, 1 800 FLOWERS, and 1 800 MATRESS for instance. They have been very effective for businesses for a while. Now they are starting to grow in popularity among parents. Since the FCC mandated that the numbers be portable (meaning a customer can keep the same Toll-Free number when they switch Toll-Free carriers), competition has driven the price of Toll-Free numbers down. The cost of having a Toll-Free number is next to nothing. Toll-Free numbers can be acquired for free, have no monthly fees, and parents only pay 4.5 cents per minute when their children call home. If the call is made from a payphone, there will be a one-time fee of 35 cents plus the 4.5 cents per minute for the call. Considering that a collect call will cost around two dollars, it is a small price to pay for the security that a Toll-Free number provides.

It is recommended that you write down your “Safety Number” and attach it to your childs backpack or write it on the inside of their belt with a marker. You should teach your children how to dial the “Safety Number” and practice dialing the number periodically. It is recommended that your children practice dialing your “Safety Number” every time you change your clock at Daylight Savings Time.

What is a Toll-Free Number and how does it work?

How can I get a FREE “Safety Number”

When choosing a Toll-Free service provider you should look for a company that will provide you with not only great rates but outstanding customer service.

We recommend Powernet Global (PNG) for a Toll-Free service provider because they offer no monthly fees, no minimums, 4.5 cents per minute, and World Class customer service.

• Call in your order at 866-706-0007. A PNG sales staff member will answer the phone to take your order. Ask for a “Stand Alone Toll-Free” number and give identification number 0012653
  

• Give them your phone number that you would like to ring when your Toll-Free number is dialed.
  

• 5 working days later, you will receive your new toll free number via email.
  

• Give your new toll free number to your kids or whomever you choose to be able to call you for free.
  

Chris Landry is president of http://www.CheaperLongDistance.com and http://www.VoIPChoices.com - both consulting firms specializing in VoIP and Toll-Free numbers. If you have any questions, go ahead and call him. . He can be reached at (877) 791-1214. After all, he is only paying 4.5 cents per minute for the call.