Why are there bags on the campus blue-light phones?

Pedestrians may have noticed that the campus' 27 emergency blue-light phones are currently bagged and are unable to be used. The blue-light phones are located in fixed locations across campus, attached to light posts in parking lots and areas of heavy pedestrian use. These phones are an old technology to provide a way for pedestrians to reach the switchboard at University Police; the technology was put in place long before the advent of cellular devices.

While Western has maintained the blue-light phones, they do periodically need updating to remain functional, and Western is currently working with the vendor to restore their functionality. There is no ETA on when these repairs will be completed. 

The campus community should, as always, dial 911 first and foremost in the case of any emergency. When the maintenance has been completed and the blue-light phones are again operational, the campus community will be notified via Western Today. Thank you for your patience while the phones are undergoing the current update to restore their functionality.