February 3, 2020 at 10:51 a.m.
Hope United Methodist Church gets town's first KnoxBox
By Pastor Ed Cottrell-
On Saturday, the town of Hope's first KnoxBox was placed in-service at the Hope United Methodist Church.
KnoxBoxes are secure, locked boxes placed outside of a building containing keys that allow firefighters s to have access to a building in an emergency. This can save time in gaining entry to a building.
Prior to the use of the boxes, firefighters have to wait for a keyholder to arrive so the building can be unlocked.
It can also be a money saver because if the situation dictates the fire department needs to make a forced entry then there would be the cost of repairing a door or window. In a church, a stained glass windows can cost upwards of $10,000. To replace a door can be several thousand dollars as well.
The boxes also make it safer for the firefighters and public as well. Firefighters can enter a building quickly to reduce damage to the building in a fire, a possible gas leak, and don't have to worry about injuries when making forced entry. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence and a quicker attack reduces damage to the structure. By making quicker entry, hazards are reduced to the public because a quicker attack to neutralize the incident and the possibility to damage of adjacent structures.
These boxes can be purchased from KnoxBox Inc with different models and range from $350 to $600. These boxes make cheaper insurance that minimizes the necessity of damage to the building by having to remove doors or windows.
Hope town officials are considering drafting an ordinance to require having KnoxBoxes on businesses in the town. There is a model available for homeowners as well.
On Saturday, trustees from Hope UMC included Chairman Andy Hunnicutt, Secretary Susan Watson, members Dennis Mize and Doug Essex participated in the box's installations. The keys were placed in by Hope Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chad Emmitt.
Pastor Ed Cottrell is minister at Hope United Methodist Church and is a chaplain for Hope Volunteer Fire Department.
