Device gives firefighters access to house keys

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla. At first glance, it just looks like a metal box.

But what’s inside could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.

The box is called a Knox Box, a heavy duty metal device installed by the fire department in which homeowners can store a house key.

If a resident is unable to answer the door during an emergency situation, fire crews can still get inside using the house key stored in the box that only they can access.

“So many times Fire and EMS get on scene, we have a patient inside a residential house, and all the doors are locked up and we’re having difficulty getting in,” said Dee Hawkins, the Charlotte County Fire and EMS spokeswoman.

Click here for information on buying a Knox Box.

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