The Kewanee Fire Department is offering local businesses a way to allow firefighters quick entry to their buildings without causing damage to the buildings.
The fire department is offering Knox Boxes, “a secure, tamper-resistant key box mounted on the exterior of a building that allows fire and emergency personnel immediate access during emergencies without causing forced-entry damage,” according to a news release from the fire department.
“By providing responders with rapid access, critical time can be saved during fires, medical emergencies or other urgent situations,” the release said.
The Knox Boxes are being offered to businesses free of charge. They were made possible by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Fire Chief Stephen Welgat said the Knox Box program “allows us to better serve our community while increasing safety for both occupants and first responders. Thanks to this FEMA grant, we are able to provide Knox Boxes at no cost to eligible businesses.”
The program is available to qualifying commercial properties within the city of Kewanee. Installation requirements and placement will be coordinated with the fire department.
The fire department will contact businesses with more information. Anyone with questions can call the department at 309-852-2115.
