Nesquehoning is looking at a program to help its volunteer fire departments gain access to businesses and apartment buildings quicker in the event of a fire alarm activating.

On Wednesday, borough council discussed a key lock box program, which would allow the three fire departments in the borough a master key that would open a box a business would install somewhere on the outside of the building that would have keys to the facility.John McArdle, Nesquehoning Hose Company fire chief, and solicitor Robert Yurchak brought up the proposal.McArdle said that the system would provide added security to the businesses because the way it is operated is a fire officer would call the dispatchers to request the master box be opened. Master boxes, which are almost like a little safe, would be secured in each fire apparatus and contain just one master key to the lockboxes. The dispatcher would then activate a tone that would open the master box, allowing the fire department to get the master key.The fire department would then be able to use the master key to access the lockboxes on the buildings to obtain keys in the event of a fire alarm activation."I think it is beneficial," McArdle said. "It just prevents us from having to go and break into a door."He said that there are instances when a fire alarm is activated at a business or apartment building and no one is there to let the fire departments in to check the scene. Firefighters must then make a choice - break through the door, causing an added expense to the business, or wait until someone from the company arrives with keys.McArdle said that the anticipated cost for the program for the borough would be approximately $900 per master box, with five needed; and the rest of the expense would be on the businesses to purchase and install the boxes on their building.Council's next step, if interested, would be to draft an ordinance outlining what buildings would be required to have the lock box system and the code for the master boxes.McArdle said that he thinks new constructions as well as habitual offenders should be required under an ordinance.Council members said that they will send out letters to the businesses in the borough to see if they would be interested in participating before drafting an ordinance.Other businessIn other matters, Yurchak said that he and McArdle drafted a new burn ban ordinance for the borough after it was determined the town wasn't following the current ordinance.Yurchak said that the new ordinance will be more effective and enforceable.Mayor Sam Kitchko reminds residents that school begins on Monday and reminds motorists to drive safely as children will be crossing the streets as they travel to bus stops and the elementary school.