The Leetsdale Borough Council has unanimously passed an ordinance mandating that businesses and multi-family facilities provide quick emergency access for firefighters to their facilities. The ordinance, colloquially known as the “knox box” ordinance, requires the installation of small, wall-mounted safes that hold building keys. Fire departments can use these keys to gain access to buildings without having to force their way in when responding to alarms or emergencies. Knox 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 emphasized the significant time and hassle saved by having knox boxes in place during emergencies. Firefighters no longer have to wait for an emergency contact from a business to arrive or damage property to gain entry. “I feel it’s a win-win for everybody,” Logan stated. “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 assist businesses and property owners in selecting a convenient location for the knox box that will not interfere with business operations. Those who fail to comply with the ordinance will face a daily fine of $600 until the issue is resolved. The ordinance was developed over several months before being passed. Councilman Scott Zahner expressed the council’s support for the ordinance, emphasizing the importance of safety 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.
Leetsdale Enacts Ordinance Requiring Knox Boxes for Emergency Access
