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Oldsmar Fire Rescue Likes Lock Boxes

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: November 17, 2007

OLDSMAR, Fla. - OLDSMAR, Fla. - A program being introduced here will give city firefighters and emergency medical service workers access to homes of the sick, elderly or high-risk residents needing assistance without having to break down a door or smash a window.

Emergency personnel at times most force their way into homes because a person is unconscious or too sick or suffering from mobility impairments and can't open the door, according to Aaron Gonzalez, Oldsmar emergency medical services coordinator.

At a recent meeting of fire chiefs, Oldsmar Fire Rescue Chief Scott McGuff learned about a program that gives high-risk residents a lock box that can only be accessed by public safety personnel such as police or firefighters. A key to the front door is inside the box .

Services can be provided to people quicker if responding police or emergency medical personnel don't have to waste time forcing their way in through a door or window, according to Gonzalez.

When local firefighters heard about the lock box program, Gonzalez said, they were eager to be one of the first to provide the service in Pinellas County.

In addition to aiding emergency personnel trying to get to a person in need, the lock box can provide peace of mind to the family and friends of the elderly or infirm, the EMS coordinator said

The lock box is similar to commercially secured key containers that have been in use for some time, Gonzalez said. There have been no reported incidents of vandalism related to such boxes, he said.

The box, which costs $170, can be purchased from the fire department. There are a limited number of boxes available for those who cannot afford the cost.

Friends and family members of the elderly or infirm might consider purchasing a lock box as a holiday gift, Gonzalez suggested.

More information on the lock box program is available from Gonzalez by telephone 813-749-1205 or via e-mail at agonzalez.cl.oldsmar.fl.us.

A box will be on display during an open house at Oldsmar Fire Rescue Station 54, 225 Pine Ave. N., Saturday, Dec. 1, 5 - 8 p.m.

There will also be information about fire prevention for those setting up holiday lights and Christmas trees, along with rides in antique fire trucks and a visit for Santa.

Those attending the open house can bring a toy the fire department will pass along to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve-run Toys for Tots program.

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