Northampton Borough has recently learned most properties required to have a Knox Box system are not compliant with council legislation adopted in November 2014. Knox Boxes allow firefighters and police personnel immediate access if an emergency arises.

Council is sending letters to property owners required to put in a Knox Box entry system, notifying the owners there are consequences for failing to do so. The Knox Box system could save lives of people in the structures and save buildings from devastating ruin should firefighters or police be summoned to their properties.

The Knox Box entry system provides every police vehicle and fire truck a master key to open the Knox Box, which contains the key or keys to the doors of the structure they are summoned to, Police Chief Ron Morey and Fire Chief Keith Knoblach said.

Although the ordinance has been on the books for more than two years, Knoblach said fire department files show approximately 20 properties have Knox Box systems, the same figure Morey said are on police department files. However, Morey estimates 200 structures should have a Knox Box.

Morey pointed out the borough ordinance states structures required to have a Knox Box include commercial and industrial buildings and multi-family residential buildings with three or more units and with restricted access through a locked door - having a common corridor leading to separate units.

Also included are government buildings, schools, churches, hospitals, assisted living and nursing care facilities, personal care homes and hotels.

In addition, any building with restricted access through a locked security gate, including a commercial building or residence, is covered, noting any new commercial structure is to have a Knox Box installed prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.

Any of these structures existing after the ordinance was passed that have undergone major improvements exceeding $5,000, including remodeling or additions, are required to install a Knox Box before the appropriate permits are issued.

The Knox Box apparatus costs approximately $200 or more.