So you got a new cell phone and you want to give your old one to the kids. You’ve removed the sim card and there is no service showing and it’s ready for them. There is a well known service that can still be used but we never really think about it being available. 911 can still be used to dial an emergency whether the phone is active or not, yes even without a sim card. This is mandated by the CRTC to make this service available anywhere 911 services are already available.
Here are some results of people mistakingly giving what they think is a deactivated phone to their kids.
Here’s another little tidbit of useful info on cell phones and 911 service.
http://www.cwta.ca/for-consumers/e911/
Don’t rely on VOIP phones to get emergency vehicles to you. Be prepared to give them full info on your exact location.