Lock out the bad guys, not the fire department
Are you one of our many residents who live in a gated neighborhood? Or do you have a gate at the entrance to your driveway? A growing number of us do and we enjoy an increased sense of security because of them. But have you considered what will happen if there is an emergency at your home? Have you made sure that police, firefighters and emergency medical responders can get there to help?
Some residents ask why they can’t just give us their gate code so we can get access. You can, but codes may get changed and might not get updated everywhere they should. There is a better solution.
The Knox Company (http://www.knoxbox.com), based in Phoenix, has developed a rapid entry system that has helped fire and other emergency personnel drastically reduce the amount of time required to gain entry into neighborhoods, individual homes and other controlled access areas. Property owners can store keys or access cards in a high-security Knox-Box near the entrance to their property. Boxes made exclusively for residential use and prices start at about $185.
The company also offers $85 Knox Padlocks that can be used on perimeter gates or driveways. Each Knox-Box product is keyed to a single Knox master key that is only available to the fire department. In the event of an emergency in your area or at your home, fire department personnel (and only fire department personnel) can open the Knox-Box and remove the key or access card needed to gain entry. If you are planning to install a locked gate it would best to learn about the various options that are available before you purchase your gate locking system.
To ensure the maximum security for all Knox system orders, those who want to buy a Knox-Box have to complete an application and get authorization from the Santa Fe County Fire Department Fire Prevention Inspector, Tim Wilcox. Call him at 995-6525.
If you live in a controlled access neighborhood or home, please help us help you by making sure we can get to you when you need us. Get a Knox-Box!
PS: Please make sure that your house numerals and your Knox Box are in locations that will remain clearly visible at night, even after a heavy snow.
No comments:
Post a Comment
To protect the security of our neighborhood, comments will go to the ARPOA private mailbox first and then posted if appropriate. This is not the place for disputes, grievances or complaints; please contact the Board if you have a problem.
Thank you.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.