Borough Council Considers Knox Boxes for Homes

The Freehold Borough Council is looking into a safety measurement that would help first responders get to residents in-need faster, and limit damage done to their property.

Knox boxes are typically used by businesses and realtors. The plastic or metal box displayed on the outside of a business or home, holds a key to gain entrance to the property. Protected by a combination, knox boxes allow people to access a property without having to wait for an owner or key holder.

The idea of a knox box for residents who live alone or are elderly became a topic of discussion at the Jan. 17 after a neighbor of a resident fell ill at home. The neighbor contacted Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer and explained that when the resident stopped responding to friends for several hours, the police were called. Since the resident lives alone, there was no way to gain entry into the house without damanging the property. First responders broke into the home through a window just in the knick of time to get the resident to the hospital where they stayed for several weeks.

After talking to Mayor Nolan Higgins, other council members, as well as some first responders it was realized that knox boxes are available for residents to purchase and could provide a way for first responders to quickly enter a property without having to break down a door or window.

“This could be a wonderful service we could offer our residents if in fact the council would like to move forward with this,” said Shutzer.

More discussion on knox boxes with first responders and other personnel is needed before anything official happens. However, the mayor and all five present council members (Coucilman John Newman was not present at the Jan. 17 meeting) agree that knox boxes could be a good idea for Borough residents who are elderly or live alone.