Lockboxes give rescuers keys to ailing seniors' homes in a crisis

By MEGHA SATYANARAYANA Free Press Staff Writer

Alta Giles fell last month in the hallway of her Center Line home and called for help using her medical alert bracelet. It was the 93-year-old's third medical call to police in a year.

Previously, police struggled to get to her inside her house. This time, they used a key.

Giles is participating in a lockbox project sponsored by the city's joint police and fire department. On her front door is a thick metal lockbox with a key inside. Only police and family members have the code. The lockbox, Giles said, makes her feel safe.

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