PHOTO: At a Tuesday morning news conference downtown Springfield Fire Department officials gathered to show off their latest tool to be used in ensuring resident’s safety.
The Knox HomeBox Loaner Program, is a new initiative aimed at enhancing First Responder residential home access during emergencies.
Springfield Fire Chief, Ed Canny, says the boxes are very secure against break in, are free to qualifying residents and will be installed by fire dept. personnel.
100 boxes will be available. At $200 each they were purchased through a grant provided by FEMA. The boxes are on loan so when the resident no longer has a need for the device it is to be returned to SFD.
City Fire Marshal, Todd Taylor, says the boxes not only will allow quick access by EMT to the residence but will allow them to secure the residence once they leave the premises.