Phoenix is expanding an emergency lockbox program for older adults and people living with disabilities.
The boxes give first responders access to a home without damaging the door in the event of an emergency.
"So I heard about the program that was being run in Scottsdale, which is one of our neighbors, and how well it was doing," explained Phoenix Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien. She represents District 1, which covers northwest Phoenix and is where the program was also piloted in 2023. "It just makes sense to bring a best practice to the residents in the city of Phoenix."
Since then, Phoenix firefighters have installed more than 200 lockboxes and responded to 257 calls at homes enrolled in the program, including that of a 92-year-old.
"And she had several instances where she had fallen or couldn't get to the door where they were able to use that lockbox to access her home," O'Brien said.
Lockbox codes are only shared with first responders during emergency calls.
The program is free to Phoenix residents who are over 55 or have mobility challenges or disabilities that may prevent them from reaching the door during an emergency.
Phoenix residents can learn more about eligibility and register for the program by emailing [email protected].
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