A locked front door during a home emergency can be the difference between a swift medical response and a costly disruption — especially for older adults and those with mobility challenges who may struggle to grant firefighters quick and safe access.
The City of Phoenix Lockbox Program, created in partnership with Phoenix REALTORS®, the Phoenix Fire Department and Councilwoman Ann O’Brien’s office, equips residents with a secure lockbox to store their keys so first responders can enter the home without force or unnecessary damage.
What began as a focused pilot to address a critical housing concern has grown into a permanent, citywide public-safety solution serving more than 1,200 vulnerable locals. And now, the program is calling on Realtors across the Valley to help further its lifesaving impact and reach.
How the program works
Phoenix Council District residents who are 55 and older and/or have special needs, mobility issues or certain medical conditions can apply to have a lockbox installed near their entryway on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once installed, the Phoenix Fire Department records its code and location in the dispatch system. Firefighters called to the home can see the resident is enrolled before arriving on scene and use the lockbox to enter without breaking a door or window.
Existing lockboxes and garage door keypads can also be registered with the fire department.
Continued growth and new initiatives
The Lockbox Program was launched in 2023 as a District 1 pilot focused on supporting seniors and people with mobility issues. Phoenix REALTORS® teamed up with District 1 Councilwoman and Realtor champion Ann O’Brien to donate approximately 110 lockboxes for the partnering Phoenix Fire Department to install.
With O’Brien’s support, demand grew quickly. The initiative became permanent in 2025 as it expanded to all eight Phoenix Council Districts. More than 950 lockboxes were deployed last year alone, with garage door code registrations also recently incorporated as another entry point opportunity. Today, 1,273 Phoenix households are enrolled.
The need behind the program is clear. Since inception, firefighters have received 575 service calls at 200 enrolled addresses, with 42% requiring more than one response. One early success story involved a 92-year-old north Phoenix resident and mother of a Realtor who joined shortly after the pilot launched. On several occasions, crews used the lockbox for timely entry after she fell and was unable to get up.
Stories like hers have also reinforced the need for broader in-home safety support. To bolster the effort, the Phoenix Fire Department is independently developing a new fall prevention program to reduce fall risks before emergency calls are needed — helping more at-risk Phoenix residents remain safe in their own homes.
How Realtors can help
A program like this exemplifies the positive outcome of elected leaders, first responders and real estate professionals coming together to address a prevalent community need. It protects the health (and homes) of residents during medical emergencies while helping firefighters efficiently respond without losing valuable time.
Realtors can support the program in three simple ways:
- Notify the Phoenix Fire Department if you see a possible program lockbox at a property being bought or sold. Newer lockboxes include stickers labeling them as part of the program. Older boxes may not be distinguishable, so contact the fire department to verify registration.
- Help eligible clients, family members or neighbors sign up.
- Spread the word to other Valley real estate agents and community partners.
Every recovered lockbox or referral helps keep this vital resource moving to residents who need it.
Advocacy in action
This successful community initiative reflects the practical side of advocacy for Phoenix REALTORS®, as our work often centers on policy, private property rights, housing supply and government relationships.
It also shows how the value of Realtors extends beyond the transaction — helping people attain and maintain homeownership with accessible resources that directly impact quality of life.
As the program grows, the association will continue pursuing and strengthening partnerships that make the greater Phoenix area safer, stronger and more responsive to resident needs.
Contact the Phoenix Fire Department at [email protected] or (602) 262-6786 to learn more, apply or verify lockbox registration.
Ariz Karim is the government affairs director of Phoenix REALTORS®.