General Questions
How long have you been in business?
We have been in business since 1989.
What services are included in your TurnKey Solutions package?
Our TurnKey Solutions package includes equipment, installation, full maintenance and 24-hour monitoring and dispatch services.
How many phones do you service under your TurnKey Solutions package?
We service and maintain over 30,000 across the U.S. and Canada.
What is your billing frequency?
We generally bill quarterly in advance, however, we can easily accomodate your requirements. We also offer automatic credit card billing and EFT.
Do you have liability insurance coverage?
Yes, we carry general liability, umbrella, and Errors & Ommissions insurance coverage with combined limits of $15 million.
How do I know if I need ADA compliant phones/service?
If the building facility or parking lot was built or renovated after July 1994, any phone(s) installed must meet ADA requirements. Complete ADA regulations may be found at the U.S. Department of Justice website, www.usdoj.gov
What is E911?
E911 or enhanced 911, is an initiative of the Federal Communication Commission primarily addressing the problem of locating cellular calls to 911 call centers. Many times cellular emergency calls are routed to the wrong 911 call center or locating data is lost during the transfer process.
Do you offer maintenance and monitoring for the emergency phone?
Yes, we offer TurnKey Solutions that include installation, full maintenance and monitoring at affordable rates. These services are also available on an a la carte basis.
How do I know if I need an emergency phone by my pool?
Many states require that you have an emergency phone in close proximity to the pool. Whether your state requires it or not, having an emergency phone by your pool can help avoid a tragedy and can reduce your liability exposure.
Where should my phone be located?
In most states the emergency phone must be no further than 200 unobstructed feet from the pool.
What is the law in my state?
For information about your state's pool phone laws look here or check with your local environmental health department.
Do you have cellular options?
Yes, if you are not able to connect to a phone line, we offer cellular based solutions.
Are your phones code compliant?
Yes, all of our phones comply with all state and local codes, we guarantee it.
An inspector told me that my phone must be answered by 911. Is this true?
No, most states require that emergency phone calls must be answered by a dedicated emergency call center. Kings III maintains a dedicated emergency call center.
Will I be charged for false, nuisance, or prank calls?
No.
Will having an emergency pool phone with professional monitoring lower my liability insurance rates?
It certainly may, check with your liability insurance carrier to be sure.
How can I be sure that my phone is working?
Periodic manual testing, and automatic self testing are the best assurances that your phone is working.
Do you offer a warranty and how long does it last?
Yes. On products purchased outright our warranty is twelve months for parts and 90 days for labor. Under a Service/Maintenance or TurnKey Solutions Agreement, the equipment is warranted for the full term of the agreement or any renewal terms.
When can I expect my phones to be installed?
We usually schedule installations 2-3 weeks from receiving signed agreements. However, we can accomodate rush and emergency installations. Tower, parking lot, and garage installations generally occur within 8-12 weeks of purchase.
How do I get service or repairs?
You can call or email Kings III directly. Our service number is 1-800-766-2029.
How soon can I expect maintenance to arrive when I have a problem?
We strive for same day or next business day repairs. We also accomodate emergency repairs.
If the electricity goes out, will my phones work?
Yes, because they are either powered by the telephone line or by a back-up battery.
How do the personnel answering emergency calls determinre the location of the callers?
At Kings III's Emergency Dispatch Center, calls are automatically identified via the transmission of DTMF tones sent by the phone or by caller ID (depending on phone manufacturer).
Do you charge usage fees based on how many times a phone is used?
No.
Can your phones automatically self-test? What happens if a scheduled test call is missed?
Yes they can. If Kings III is monitoring the phone and a scheduled test call is missed, our equipment automatically identifies the missed call and prompts our operators to initiate an action plan to determine the cause and restore function.
What is monitoring?
Monitoring is a short term for all of the processes involved in handling emergency telephone calls. Our staff answers the emergency calls, dispatches the appropriate response personnel, and assists in keeping the caller calm. Our computer system digitally records the calls, including dispatch calls, and retrieves and displays all account information for our operators and logs all events electronically, time and date stamping the records. Find out more about monitoring here.
Why would I want Kings III monitoring my phones instead of 911?
Kings III emergency call center not only dispatches fire/rescue, but also can dispatch maintenance personnel and property managers to handle non-emergency calls so unnecessary dispatches are reduced.
Will I be charged for false or nuisance calls?
Not by Kings III, but other emergency responders may charge or fine you for excessive false calls.
Do you record emergency calls and how long do you keep the recordings?
Yes, we digitally record all calls and store them for a minimum of seven years. The recordings can be retrieved or even e-mailed for later playback.
How do you know where an emergency phone call is coming from?
Our locating dialer technology automatically transmits the location information to our Emergency Call Center computers. That information is displayed before our operators answer the call. This technology allows us to quickly determine the nature of the emergency rather than wasting time trying to determine the caller's location.
How can you tell where your cellular models are calling from? There are stories of 9-1-1 operators who can't find callers using cell phones.
While there is truth in some of these stories, our cellular models utilize the same automatic locating system that our landline phones do. We do not rely on E911 or capturing caller ID in order to locate calls.
What happens if there is a power failure at the Emergency Dispatch Center?
We have an automatic back up power supply with a natural gas powered electrical generator that supports the emergency call center during power failure. In addition, we have a fully redundant back up Emergency Dispatch Center off site.
How can your monitoring service reduce false dispatches?
Our emergency call center personnel are experienced and trained to discern the difference between actual emergencies and non-emergencies and prank calls. So unnecessary dispatching is significantly reduced.
Can Kings III monitor other brands of phones?
Sure, we can monitor virtually any brand of emergency phone.
If a building has an in-house guard, how can your emergency call center be of use?
Kings III's emergency call center frees up the guard's time, and if the guard is not available you can rest assured that there will always be someone to answer calls and dispatch assistance.
My elevator inspector says my current emergency phone system meets code. Can I rely on that?
Code compliance is your responsibility and "my inspector said..." is not a solid defense. Look here to find our emergency phone test procedures and perform the tests to see if your systems comply with code.
We just purchased new emergency phones. Can Kings III monitor these phones?
Yes, but to take advantage of any phone line consolidation opportunities we must install our equipment including our locating dialer. Also, when our equipment is installed, you are also eliminating surprise repair bills because full maintenance is included with our exclusive TurnKey Solutions package.
In my elevators I'd like to eliminate the phone cabinet doors. Is there a low cost way to do this?
Yes, we have many different sizes and finishes of our flush mount unit (FM-3000). This will cover the phone cabinet door opening.
I've got dedicated phone lines, can you help me eliminate that cost?
Yes, with our dialer technology, we can eliminate the cost of dedicated emergency phone lines.
What does phone line sharing mean and how is that different from your phone line seizing technology?
Line sharing means that a telephone line isused by more than one telephone device. Our line seizing technology captures an existing phone line for use by our emergency phones. This enables our emergency phones to take over a phone line and use it to contact the Emergency Dispatch Center, while blocking access by non-emergency devices until the emergency call is completed. With line sharing, a non-emergency device may block emergency calls exposing you to liability.
I have an intercom system I would like to replace. Can you use the wiring?
Yes, we do not require new-shield wiring.
Once I sign a service agreement, how soon can I expect the equipment to be installed?
Generally, we install the equipment 2-3 weeks after a signed service agreement has been received.
I already have a guard station in the building, and my elevators report to the guard station. How do you fit in to the picture?
Our Emergency Dispatch Center frees up the guard's time, and if there is not a guard available you can rest assured that we will be available to answer the call and dispatch assistance.
Do you have a solution to make my phones ADA compliant without spending $600-$1200 per phone?
Yes, our Turnkey Solution offers ADA compliant technology for a fraction of the cost of new phones.
The elevator company says that my phone line does not work while the telephone company says that the line works properly. How can your Turnkey Solutions help?
Our technicians are problem solvers.They focus on getting your phones working rather than pointing fingers.
If I budget your Turnkey Solution, does that cover replacing equipment as well as labor?
Yes.
How do I know if I need an emergency phone by my pool?
Many states require that you have an emergency phone in close proximity to the pool. Whether your state requires it or not, having an emergency phone by your pool can help to avoid a tragedy and can reduce your liability.
Where should my phone be located?
In most states the emergency phone must be no further than 200 unobstructed feet from the pool.
What is the law in my state?
For information about your state's pool laws, click here.
Do I need a new phone line?
Generally, no. Our line seizure technology allows you to use an existing phone line for the emergency phones.
Do I need electricity?
Our phone lines are phone line powered; however, line seizure and cellular options require a simple 110-130 VAC duplex outlet.
Do you have cellular options?
Yes. If you are not able to connect to a phone line, we offer cellular solutions.
Why would I use a cellular emergency phone at poolside?
Primarily to avoid the costs of trenching for new landline telephone service. Also, the cost of our cellular solution is less than the cost of a traditional phone line.
Is my current cellular pool phone current?
Are your phones ADA compliant?
Yes, all of our phones comply with ADA and all state and local codes, guaranteed.
What does your TurnKey Solution agreement cover?
Our TurnKey Solutions package includes equipment, installation, full maintenance/service, and 24-hour monitoring and dispatch services.
An inspector told me that my phone had to be answered by 911. Is that true?
Most states require that emergency phone calls be answered by a dedicated emergency call center. Kings III imaintains a dedicated emergency call center, however, a few jurisdictions require answering by 911.
Why is Kings III's emergency phone superior to a pay phone?
Our emergency phone eliminates the traffic, litter, graffiti, and vandalism associated with pay phones. Our phones dial directly to our Emergency Dispatch Center, discouraging misuse.
Will having an emergency pool phone with professional monitoring lower my liability insurance rates?
It certainly may, check with your liability insurance carrier to be sure.
How can I be sure that my phone is working?
Periodic manual testing, and automatic self testing are the best assurances that your phone is working.
Why do I need building stairwell emergency phones?
Many municipalities are adopting new ordinances requiring emergency communication systems in building stairwells. Stairwell doors are often locked from the stairwell side, so people can become trapped by smoke when evacuating a building and need to be able to exit the stairwell to try another one or to reach an area of refuge.
What is the law for stairwell emergency phones?
Generally, your local fire codes cover stairwell emergency phones but they are also addressed in the International Building Code.
Do building stairwell phones have to meet ADA requirements?
Yes, if your stairwell emergency phones were installed after July 1994, they must meet ADA requirements.
Do I need a dedicated line for each phone?
No, our line seizure technology allows multiple emergency stairwell phones to seize an existing phone line rather than requiring a dedicated phone line.
How many phones do I need?
You need to check your local codes, but generally they are required on every 4th or 5th floor above grade in each stairwell.
What type of phone do I need in my building stairwell?
We offer several models and can assist you in selection of the model that best fits your needs.
Some of my stairwell doors have magnetic locks and others have door strikes. Can these locks be released in case of emergency?
Yes, our Emergency Dispatch Center can remotely release these locks with proper equipment installed on the door.
What type of emergency phone do I need for my parking lot?
We offer many models and can assist you in selection of the model(s) that best fit your needs.
What colors are available for the phone?
Our parking lot phones are generally red powder-coated steel, but are available in multiple color or color combinations.
What kind of foundation do I need to mount these phones?
It is preferable to have a steel reinforced concrete pier, approximately 18 inches in diameter extending at least one foot below the frost line. However, we can mount directly to light poles and most concrete parking lots without requiring foundation work.
Can our emergency phones be mounted to buildings or parking lot poles?
Yes.
Who will these phones call?
These phone swill call our emergency call center, or they can be programmed to call other designated responders as determined by our customers.
Is there a Turnkey Solutions package avaiable that includes installation, monitoring, and service/maintenance, for parking lot phones?
Yes, we do offer TurnKey Solution options that make requiring parking lot phones budget friendly.
Do you offer cellular communication services?
Yes.
How many phones do I need?
There is no hard fast rule. Considerations should include visibility, overall risk at the location, and accessibility.
What type of emergency phone do you offer for my parking garage?
We offer many models and can assist you in selection of the model(s) that best fit your needs.
Can your emergency phones be mounted to the columns in the parking garage?
Yes.
Do you offer cellular communication service?
Yes.
I have elevators and stairwells in my parking garage. Do you offer emergency phones for those too?
Yes we do. Look at our elevator phones here, and our stairwell phones here.
What type of power do I need?
Many of our phones are phone line powered. 110-130 VAC is necessary to operate strobe lights and charge storage batteries in tower and cellular models.
Schools, Colleges, and Hospitals
What type of emergency phones do you offer for these types of campuses?
We offer a full line of emergency phones including elevator phones, stairwell phones, area of refuge phones, parking lot phones and parking garage phones.
Will your phone work with our current PBX system?
Yes.
Are your phones ADA compliant and can they be installed in an ADA compliant manner
Yes, all our phones are ADA compliant and are installed in an ADA compliant manner.
Can we install and program your phones or do we need professional installation help?
Many of our models are easily installed by your maintenance or telecommunications staff; however, professional installation is available from Kings III.
We find it difficult to keep our phones working. Can you offer a solution to our chronic problem?
Kings III phones are carefully built for reliability. Our position is that emergency phones need to work every time. The phones have rugged components and are triple tested including after installation.
What is an area of refuge?
An area of refuge, also known as an area of rescue, is a designated place where people trapped in a building can go to seek and await help.
Do area of refuge emergency phones have to meet ADA requirements?
Yes, if your area of refuge phone was installed after July 1994, they must meet ADA requirements.
What is the law regarding area of refuge emergency phones?
Generally, your local fire codes cover area of refuge emergency phones but they are also addressed in the International Building Code.
Do I need a dedicated phone line for each phone?
No, our line seizure technology allows multiple emergency area of refuge phones to seize an existing phone line rather than requiring a dedicated line.
What type of phone do I need for the area of refuge?
We offer several models and can assist you in selection of the model that best fits your needs.
Is your TurnKey Sloution available for these phones?
Yes, our TurnKey Solutions package includes equipment, installation, full maintenance/service, and 24-hour monitoring and dispatch services.
AED Cabinets with Emergency Phones
What makes Kings III AED cabinets different from other cabinets available on the market?
We have integrated our class leading emergency telephone, both landline and cellular, into the AED storage cabinet. This provides a remote monitoring and dispatch capability to the simple act of opening the cabinet door.
Does the emergency phone have to be monitored through your emergency call center?
No, any of our AED-3000 models may be monitored wherever you choose. Any alarm central station, 9-1-1 call center or even your own guards can monitor. However, we recommend a professional, dedicated emergency call center such as ours, handle monitoring and dispatch duties. These monitoring personnel are specifically trained for such emergency response.
What are the AED laws in my state?
There is no simple answer as AEDs are new technology and it takes time for legislation to catch up. Most states have laws providing some protection for lay rescuers. These "Good Samaritan" laws are evolving. AEDs are being installed in federal government buildings by federal initiatives. This includes courthouses, office buildings, airports, etc. More and more municipal governments are requiring AEDs in publicly accessible places such as municipal and public offices, shopping centers and sports facilities. Check with your city or county health department for specific rules in your area.
Do you sell AED units?
No, there are many manufacturers of AEDs. Our AED cabinet can accommodate any commercially available AED available today.
Does your cabinet fit all AED sizes?
Yes, the AED storage area of our cabinets will accommodate any commercially available AED.
We currently have AEDs with cabinets in our facilities, are you able to add a phone connection to our current unit?
Yes, generally we can install an emergency telephone adjacent to your existing AED cabinet and connect to the cabinet's existing door plunger switch or we can add a door switch for that purpose.