The Leitchfield City Council has voted to approve purchasing a KnoxBox to be placed on the exterior of City Hall to make entry into the building quicker for Leitchfield Fire Department personnel in the event of a fire or other emergency.
At Monday night’s Leitchfield City Council meeting, council members heard from LFD Communications Officer Andrew Whobrey, who said installing a KnoxBox, which holds a key to a business or residence in a secure, steel-constructed box attached to the building, allows LFD to have rapid access to a structure.
Currently, LFD has nearly 20 keys to businesses in its coverage area. But depending on which firefighter arrives first on scene, it could take several minutes before fire personnel are able to enter the structure as they await a key holder, whether it be the owner of the property or Chief Tim Duvall. Furthermore, in some cases fire personnel are forced to inflict damage to the structure to gain immediate entry. But having a key held securely in a KnoxBox allows near instant access for firefighters.
Whobrey said multiple businesses have agreed to install the device. KnoxBox installation is also available for private residences.
A KnoxBox costs between $100 and $600, Whobrey said, depending on the size and design chosen. Whobrey also said a discount on the structure’s insurance is possible if a KnoxBox is installed.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 2760-259-6000
