PHOTOS: Oftentimes first responders must physically get out and open unmanned security gates in neighborhoods when there’s an emergency, but now technology is helping get them through much quicker.
For all the unmanned gates protecting communities in Palm Beach County, for years now they’ve been required to have Knox Boxes. A key is required to turn in the box in order to get the gate to open for emergency personnel. It can take a minute to a minute and a half. Now more communities are getting what’s called Click2Enter boxes, which allow the gates to open with a push of a button on a radio over a protected frequency. A fire truck or ambulance could get through in seconds. “It always matters, the faster we get there, the better we are and the better outcome,” said Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Fire Marshal David DeRita.