Groveland Twp.-Lou Peiffer was distraught.
His wife Patricia, 73, had collapsed in the bathroom of their township home due to an aneurysm.
‘I was frantic,? said Peiffer, 77, a township resident for more than 20 years. ‘I was trying to do CPR while waiting for EMS to arrive’I did not want to leave my wife to let them in the door of our home even if for just one minute it may have made the difference of life and death.?
‘How were paramedics going to get into my house if I could not make it to the door?? asked Peiffer. ‘The point is, we need a system for emergency assistance to get into a home in case of problems.?
While attempts to revive Patricia were unsuccessful even with the assistance of paramedics, the incident prompted concern about access to homes during emergencies.
Lou Peiffer shared his concerns to Township Fire Captain John Williams, who implemented a residential lockbox program to assist EMS and firefighters in the event access to a locked home was necessary.
‘Emergency situations like Peiffer’s is a real concern for thousands of residents,? said Williams. ‘The lockbox will speed up entry to the home for EMS. Many times we’ve had to pick the lock, break down the door or even find a window to gain access in the event of an emergency. That can be costly or even dangerous, not to mention very time consuming.?
As a result, township residents can now contact the fire department to purchase a lockbox for $35 that secures over the top of their door and is accessible only by township firefighters. Residents provide a house key and firefighters put it into the lockbox. The boxes are all keyed alike and is exclusive to the township fire department only. When firefighters arrive at the home a special code is entered that allows the responder to access the key from the firetruck. The code identifies the individual who is accessing the key which assures security.
‘The program is ideal for senior citizens, those who live alone or with a disability,? added Williams. ‘Once the lockbox is sealed no one has access to the key, not even the homeowner. Keep in mind, too, the fire department will not respond if residents get locked out of their home’it’s only for emergencies.?
Residents interested in the lock box can stop by Fire Station One, 14645 Dixie Hwy or the township offices, 4695 Grange Hall Road. 248-634-7722.