Swampscott FD to install rapid-entry boxes

SWAMPSCOTT-Some residents will be able to rest easier knowing first responders would not need to break down doors or smash a window to gain entry to their home in the event of an emergency.Fire Chief Michael Champion said the department has 60 Knox-Box units it is getting ready to install for seniors.Champion explained the Knox-Box Rapid Entry System provides non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property. The system is currently used by more than 9,000 fire departments and governmental agencies throughout the country.Champion said the high security boxes are mounted near a building entrance and each box has space to store keys, access cards and floor plans. He said each Knox-Box in town would be keyed to a single Knox Master Key that is controlled by the fire department.Champion said rapid access to a home could be invaluable especially if a senior citizen is need of assistance and it dovetails nicely with the “Are You OK” program, a computerized phone call placed once a day to check on the well being of senior citizens.?If we receive an “Are You OK” alert and the home has a Knox-Box we would be able to gain entry rapidly,” he said. “Being able to access the premises with a key would prevent us having to break a window or break down a door if the resident is unresponsive and unable to answer.”Champion said the department took pre-orders from 60 seniors for the Knox-Boxes and those units have just arrived. Thursday morning firefighters were recording serial numbers for the boxes that will be going out. Champion said the Swampscott Firefighters Union subsidized a portion of the cost for the boxes and the firefighters would install them free for the senior citizens.Firefighter Union President William Hyde said the union did some fund raising and was able to pay more than $3,000 towards the cost of the boxes, which saved seniors approximately $60 each.?We’re going to install the boxes for them too, so that will save them more money,” he said.Champion said if there is enough interest, the department could submit another order for additional boxes. Anyone interested in purchasing a Knox-Box for their home should contact the Fire Prevention Office at 781-595-4050.