PALMYRA (WINA) – Enacted now in Fluvanna County, a program called “Unlocking Help” for residents having a medical emergency. It’s a program — started with Chris Zullo and the Lake Doers group at Lake Monticello — said a rescue squad could be called to your house, but might have to wait for fire personnel to come and break down a door to get in. This program allows residents to register a lockbox, extra key, garage door opener, or any other entry way to a home with local EMS to enter in case of emergency.

You can also fill out a health form — being distributed free at the Fluvanna library, and Jefferson and Fork Union pharmacies to hang on the refrigerator with prescriptions you take, and allergies you have. Lockboxes which hold a door key can be purchased for $10-$30 from local hardware stores or online. The Fluvanna Emergency Communications Center will register the code to open the lockboxes and provide it only to emergency personnel. Codes can be registered at kpanko@fluvannasheriff.com or 434-589-8211.

Zullo says the Thomas Jefferson EMS executive director is implementing this in Fluvanna… but is also interested in enacting it over the entire service area of Albemarle, Charlottesville, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Madison.