By Carla McCann
Gazette staff
MILTON-Firefighters and police may soon have quicker emergency access to Milton businesses, factories and apartment buildings.
The Milton City Council is considering an ordinance to require key lock boxes on businesses, industrial plants and apartments buildings with four or more units.
If the council approves the ordinance, lock boxes containing an entry key would be mounted on all local businesses and apartments.
Only a few emergency responders will have access to the master key that opens all of the boxes, said Deputy Fire Chief Chris Lukas, who proposed the ordinance.
"Our key will be secured in our rigs in our own lock box," Lukas said.
Lock boxes make access easier, safer and quicker than having to break into a building or wait for a key holder to arrive at the scene. The boxes also will reduce damaged caused by forced entry while police or firefighters are trying to enter a building during emergencies, he said.
"It would allow us to gain access without damage," Lukas said.
The metal lock boxes aren't new to the city. About 30 businesses and/or apartments have been using them for about 12 years, Lukas said.
But use of the boxes has been voluntary.
Milton emergency medical technicians already have used keys from lock boxes for quick entry to the apartments of elderly residents during medical emergencies, Lukas said.
"We were able to get in through secured doors and immediately take care of patients," Lukas said.
Lock boxes, which range in cost from $150 to $300, would be sold by the Milton/Milton Township Fire Department.
The city will send letters about the proposed ordinance to businesses and apartment owners this week, city Administrator Todd Schmidt said.
Lukas has received a few calls about the boxes.
"Everyone seems to be supportive," Lukas said. "It's a minimal investment that will save in the long run."