City of Kyle launches lockbox program to help elderly and disabled neighbors during emergencies

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KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — There’s now more help for older or disabled people in Kyle, and it could save lives.

The city of Kyle’s Emergency Management division, announced Monday it launched a Knox-Box system that will allow responders to get into a home fast when there’s an emergency.

“Once registered in the program, residents will be provided with a secure lockbox that stores a spare key to their home. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, 911 operators will immediately alert first responders if the resident is enrolled in the program and will provide the location of the lockbox,” The city said. “This will allow swift and safe access to the home.”

It’s something neighbors and city council members advocated for. And it’s now fully funded by the city at no cost to those who want to be a part of the program.

Those who qualify, and want to apply must be:

• Neighbors 65 or older
• Neighbors under the age of 65, with a major medical issue that could lead them to be incapacitated or unconcious
• Neighbors who live alone or are left alone on a regular basis

 “Just knowing that there’s an availability to efficiently get into a residence, not only gives the people that utilize the system peace of mind, but certainly family members that care for the elderly, or have elderly family members [peace of mind as well,]” Jimmy Johnson, City of Kyle Emergency Management Coordinator said. “This program will allow us to pre-describe locations.”

Staff is already doing outreach at places like the Kyle Senior Zone, to connect with interested neighbors, according to the City of Kyle.

La La Herrera was at the center on Monday, and said she’d like to sign up for the program due to a bad fall that left her with a broken femur.

“She [my daughter] found me on the floor,” Herrera said opening up about her fall. “I was in a fetal position.”

Herrera, married for 52 years, is now a widow who lives alone. She wants to maintain her independence and likes the idea of the Knox-Box program allowing her to do that.

“I would feel more confident and more secure,” she said.

The program is voluntary, and there’s no limit on applications as of the day the program launched.

The lockbox will only be used during an emergency call, according to the City of Kyle. Any participants of the program can withdraw at an time, Johnson told KXAN.

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