Leetsdale has a new ordinance mandating that businesses and multi-family facilities provide quick emergency access for firefighters to their facilities.
Council unanimously voted April 11 to pass what was colloquially called a “knox box” ordinance.
A knox box is a small, wall-mounted safe that holds building keys that fire departments could use to gain access so they wouldn’t have to force their way in when responding to alarms or emergencies.
Boxes are currently in use at both industrial parks in the borough, the Giant Eagle Plaza and the senior high-rise.
Leetsdale Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Ernest Logan said they save a lot of time and hassle when responding to a fire or alarm.
With a knox box, firefighters wouldn’t have to wait for an emergency contact from a business to arrive, or break down a door or windows to get inside.
“I feel it’s a win-win for everybody,” Logan said. “It’s a wonderful thing for the borough. It really is the borough catching up, because knox boxes have been around for a long time.”
Firefighters are willing to meet with business and property owners to help select a convenient location to install the knox box that will not impact business operations, Logan said.
Those in violation of the ordinance will be subject to a $600 fine each day until the issue is resolved.
The department has 20 active members and responds to several hundred calls per year.
The ordinance was in development for several months prior to being passed.
Councilman Scott Zahner said the regulation simply made sense, and is another example of how safety is a top priority in the borough.
“I think the ordinance is good and it will help the firefighters get into the buildings should something happen,” Zahner said.
The ordinance is available for review at the borough office.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.