According to a press release from Ogden City earlier this week, Ogden’s fire and police departments and the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation have helped secure a grant to enhance emergency services for Ogden’s elderly, ill and homebound residents through the purchase of secure lockboxes where the key to a property can be stored and easily accessed by emergency personnel.

“Through the Secure Opening System (SOS) Program, the city’s emergency services hope to provide quick, damage-free access to residents’ homes,” the release said. “The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation awarded enough funds for Ogden City emergency services to purchase 10 Knox HomeBox secure key storage units. Ogden City is the first in Utah to provide these lockboxes directly to its most vulnerable residents at no cost.”

The release noted that the pursuit of the program came from the experience of first responders over the last couple of years.

“In 2023, the Ogden City Fire Department responded to 18,873 emergency medical calls, many involving repeat visits to assist residents who could not open their doors,” the release said. “This issue led to delays or forced entry, causing broken doors, door frames, locks, or sidelight windows. Knowing every second counts, Ogden City Fire sought a solution for this ongoing problem in our community. The SOS Program can prevent these issues by equipping those with limited mobility with Knox HomeBox, a weather-resistant, tamper-proof key storage unit. Only Ogden’s first responders have access to the lockbox, allowing for immediate entry.”

Ogden City Fire Marshal Kevin Brown said in the release that first responders don’t want anyone to feel they need to hesitate to call for services when needed.

“They shouldn’t have to worry about a broken door or window,” he said. “We’re here to help and we don’t want to cause any harm, even if it’s just financial.”

The release also provided information on the installation process.

“With the homeowner’s or caregiver’s consent, this key lockbox should be mounted over the point of entry, providing easy access for first responders,” the release said. “Once services are completed, resuming home security is quick, responders just return the key and close the lockbox. These 10 lockboxes purchased through the SOS Program are transferable to other Ogden homes as needed.”

Also referred to as KnoxBoxes, the lockboxes have also been utilized on municipal and commercial buildings to allow first responders easier access to buildings that may experience emergencies when no one is on the premises.

The press release added that Ogden City Fire hopes to have the lockboxes purchased and ready for installation at qualifying homes by the end of June. A check for the boxes will be presented to Ogden police and fire by officials from Rocky Mountain Power on Thursday.