A new ordinance passed by the Wrightstown Board of Supervisors on Monday mandates the installation of locked boxes, commonly referred to as “Knox Boxes,” at all new and existing commercial properties within the township.
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The decision was designed to improve access for emergency responders.
The boxes will give fire departments, emergency medical services, and police the ability to quickly enter buildings during emergencies without causing property damage by forcing entry.
Township Manager Stacey Mulholland noted that while many newer buildings already include the boxes, the ordinance will ensure uniformity across all commercial buildings.
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Business owners will have a six-month period following their annual fire inspection to comply with the new regulation.
Chester Pogonowski, chairperson of the Wrightstown Board of Supervisors, stated support for the ordinance at last month’s meeting.
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While the ordinance is for commercial properties, Pogonowski mentioned that some residential property owners have voluntarily adopted Knox boxes.
Other municipalities in the county require Knox boxes to be installed.