[cercis]

I take mine with me everywhere because we have lots of elderly relatives. I want my family to be able to get ahold of me to let me know if one gets sick or dies (it's especially important now that I'm a days' drive away).

Also, if I leave my kids with a sitter (once in a blue moon), I want the sitter to be able to get ahold of me immediately, not when I get done with dinner.

But if you don't answer the phone, generally you dont' get charged. It depends upon your provider.