Temple University has updated its phone system in compliance with Kari’s Law, just meeting the deadline of February 16, 2020.
The bill, which was signed into law in 2018 by President Trump, requires all multi-line phone systems in the U.S. to enable direct dial to 9-1-1.
Kari’s Law was named after Kari Hunt, a young woman who was tragically murdered by her estranged husband inside a Texas motel room in 2013.
Most universities, hotels, and offices across the country require the user to dial 9 or another number to reach an outside line.
This includes calling 9-1-1.
Every child is taught to dial those three digits if they are in danger, but most are unaware of the prefix required in hotels, offices and universities.
This included Kari Hunt’s nine-year-old daughter who dialed 9-1-1 four times to save her mother but could not reach first responders.
To ensure this tragedy would never happen to anyone else, Kari’s father, Hank Hunt, embarked on a five year crusade to allow direct dial to 9-11 no matter where you are.
Grace White, a Freshman at Temple University says, she was unaware she needed to dial a prefix before contacting 9-1-1.
“It’s really interesting to see that you had to dial 9 before 9-1-1.”
Inspector James Chapman at Temple University believes this new change on campus can save lives.
“The greatest impact will come if there is truly an emergency and they can just dial 9-1-1 and get straight through.”
Garrett Jenkins also says the change will be helpful at Temple University in case of an emergency.
“I think if there’s an emergency on campus, having the opportunity to call 9-1-1 on the spot like that. That allows maybe a more versatile amount of options.”
Charles Leone, Executive Director of Public Safety at Temple University said in an email sent across campus, “Temple is committed to the safety of all students, faculty and staff.”
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