Upper Milford supervisors are considering implementing Knox Boxes on local businesses.

Knox Boxes are a brand of metal boxes attached to the outside of buildings, usually businesses, with keys to the business locked inside, making access easier for emergency personnel.

The two township fire departments have suggested the system and supervisors Robert Sentner and George DeVault last week said the boxes are a good idea. Supervisor Daniel Mohr was absent to attend the Vera Cruz Halloween parade, delayed a day due to rain.

The supervisors would like to meet with the fire chiefs before proceeding further.

At the board's Oct. 16 meeting, DeVault said the boxes save fire departments "untold time" and businesses lots of damage in the event of fire or other emergency because firefighters can quickly access a building without having to track down the owners or break in. The boxes can only be unlocked on a signal from the county, DeVault said.

In addition to keys, the boxes also can be used to store information such as plans of the building or whether there are hazardous materials on site.

Sentner said he is not sure whether the boxes should be required on all businesses, or just on larger ones, and added there should definitely be one on the township building.

The other question is whether the businesses would have to pay for them. The boxes cost about $400.

Supervisors suggested inviting the chiefs of the two township departments to their next regular meeting to discuss details.

In other business, supervisors received a request from Jerry Orzog of the state Department of Economic and Community Development to set up a meeting with township staff and officials and fire department officials to begin a review of township fire service.

Orzog's letter was in response to a township request for help from the agency in reviewing fire service planning. In his letter, Orzog said he will present a seminar reviewing current trends facing Pennsylvania's volunteer fire service, then outline the process he will use to evaluate the township's system.

Orzog will then make recommendations to the township.

Supervisors also met briefly in executive session to discuss personnel matters.