Chatham Emergency Services Update

By Carey Ruppert - cruppert@chathames.org
Chief, Skidaway Division

Peace of Mind in a Tamper-Proof Box 

Anytime Chatham Emergency Services personnel are dispatched to an emergency, whether for a fire or medical emergency, our goal is to assess the situation, identify the problem, and fix the problem as soon as possible. If we arrive on the scene to find the house tightly locked with no apparent means of entry, our ability to respond quickly to the emergency is severely impacted. There are occasions when we are unable to gain entry to a residence that neighbors, having noticed our presence (it is hard to miss all those flashing lights), have been able to provide a key. Unfortunately, there are many other times when a key doesn’t fortuitously appear. Ultimately, if we cannot gain access to your home and feel it is necessary, we will forcibly enter the structure. This can be a laborious process, and it is likely to result in property damage. 

A simple way to ensure that emergency responders have rapid access to your property is to install a Knox Home Box. The Knox Home Box is a highly secure key safe mounted to the exterior of your home and can be opened only by fire or emergency medical personnel. All you have to do is purchase the box (either online or over the phone), have it installed, and have us secure your key inside. This is a one-time purchase, and there is no monitoring fee. 

To purchase a Knox Home Box, visit knoxbox.com/products/residential-knoxboxes, or call 800-552-5669. Follow the directions to select your State and local Fire Department/Agency (Southside FD/Skidaway Island Division), and purchase your preferred model. Models range in price from $170 to $187. Your box will be shipped to your home address. Once you receive your Home Box, you can install it yourself or have a contractor or handyman do it for you. Personnel at Fire Station 5 (553 McWhorter Drive) also can provide the name and contact information of an experienced installer. 

Once your Knox Home Box is installed, call our Dispatch office (912-355-6688) and ask to have your key locked in your Knox Box. One of our engines will be dispatched to your location on a non-emergency basis to secure your key inside the box. Along with your key, you should also include any relevant alarm codes, contact information, and the number and type of pets in your home. 

To be clear, Chatham Emergency Services does not profit in any way from the purchase or installation of your Knox Home Box. Our only benefit is easy access to your property in the event of an emergency. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact me (cruppert@chathames.org).



This article was originally published by The Landings Association on their website.

Visit landings.org to read the original article.
https://landings.org/news/2021/04/27/chatham-emergency-services-update