When the Lombard Fire Department arrives at the home of a senior in need of medical assistance, precious time is often lost trying to get inside the home to help. The Lombard Fire Department wants residents, especially seniors or those with limited mobility, to know about the Knox HomeBox™ program.
The Knox HomeBox™ program provides a secure way for firefighters to access a key and enter a home when called to provide emergency assistance. A master key is stored in mounted boxes on fire engines and ambulances that require a PIN code to release, and only Lombard Fire Department personnel have access. Using a Knox HomeBox™ not only saves responders valuable time in providing medical care, but it also saves costly property repairs if emergency responders must force their way into the home.
“We have responded to many calls in which precious time is wasted trying to get into the home,” said Lombard Fire Chief Rick Sander. “Time is critical in responding to these calls, and with this program, our firefighters are able to gain rapid, non-destructive access and quickly address a resident’s medical emergency.”
Many residents can benefit from installing a Knox HomeBox™: senior citizens, elderly living alone, residents with disabilities, residents wearing electronic calling/medical alert service, residents recovering from a hospital stay, and more.
The Box is ordered and paid for directly from Knox by the resident with a one-time purchase and no monthly fees. Pricing for the Box ranges from $170 to $187 depending on the configuration. They can be permanently mounted or with a secure door hanger. To purchase online, visit https://www.knoxbox.com/Products/Residential-KnoxBoxes.
If you are interested in participating or learning more about the program, please contact Fire Marshal Perry Johnson at johnsonp@villageoflombard.org or call (630) 873-4576.