Photo courtesy of Goodyear Fire Department
Marilu Trainor
The City of Goodyear Fire Department (GFD) Residential Lock Box program has recently been updated. To date, more than 40 city homeowners have the new lock box installed by the GFD Fire Prevention section. There are 160 more lock boxes already spoken for as part of the next order.
What Is the Lock Box Program?
“The program is designed to allow access to homes during medical or other types of emergencies where the occupant is unable to open the door,” said GFD Captain/Paramedic Mario Santos. “The lock box secures a key(s) for use by first responders in an emergency. The Residential Lock Box program also reduces the likelihood of property damage caused by first responders forcing entry into a home.
“To date, we have found the lock box makes our firefighters and emergency responders’ job more effective because they gain easier access and can respond to the call for help,” said Santos.
The lockbox project is a voluntary program for residential properties within Goodyear. A Residential Lock Box is installed on the home, per the city’s Policy 104.3.03.
By installing a GFD Residential Lock Box, this does not entitle the homeowner to a “lock out service.” This means if a homeowner accidentally locks themselves out of their home, the City of Goodyear will not provide the homeowner access to their residence using the lock box program.
No Cost to Residents
According to Goodyear City Council Member and PebbleCreek resident Wally Campbell, “Our council has been working on this project for nearly a decade. It is a very good safety and operational program and will be funded by the city’s general fund as an important service to our residents.”
For existing/purchased lock box locations:
“Previously purchased lock boxes will no longer be accepted. However, the code will remain in our response system for one year from the original application date. Old lock boxes will be replaced with the new lock box when you re-apply for the new program,” said Santos.
The new lock box will be installed by fire department staff or volunteers on or next to the door jamb at the front (main) entrance to the residence. The lock box will be mounted using either wood screws or self-tapping sheet metal screws, depending on the surface it will be mounted to.
Enroll Now for Your Safety
When participating in the residential lock box program, the homeowner voluntarily agrees to assume full responsibility for always providing the correct key.
“In the event of a time sensitive situation (e.g., medical emergency, fire, home invasion, etc.) or malfunction of the lock box, first responders may not be able to, nor have the time to, use the lock box. In those situations, the homeowner agrees that emergency personnel shall have the right to exercise their discretion and gain entry to the home using the fastest means possible. However, emergency personnel will use their best efforts to use the lock box when time and the situation permits,” added Santos.
To enroll in the program, visit goodyearaz.gov/government/departments/fire/residential-lock-box-program.