From the Desk of Caryl Greenberg LSW, MSW, Senior Center Liaison to the Aging in Place PARTNERSHIP

Picture this:

You are alone in your home, suddenly you are overcome with a feeling of nausea and dizziness - you dial 911 and ask for help- you must have blacked out because you can’t remember anything that happened next…

The police and ambulance come to your door; they knock- no answer. The police officer is given the confidential code by the police dispatcher to open the lock box, which contains your front door key, that was previously placed on your door knob. He easily gained entry in order to help you. The EMT’s attended to you immediately and there was no property damage by having to break down a door or window to get to you!

Luckily, that story ended happily. You might now ask; "So how do I go about getting this lock box?" Let me tell you about the program first.

Operation Blue Angel is a grant funded program run by the South Brunswick Police department intended to provide Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) access to a residence in the event of an emergency where the resident is unable to open the door.

Eligible residents (55 or older, lives alone or has a medical condition that is potentially incapacitating or is alone on a frequent basis) will be provided with a free lock box. A key to the residence, provided by you will be stored in the secure lock box near the entrance to the residence. The access code to the lock box will only be available to Police personnel and used only during an emergency. After the code is utilized the combination will be reset.

There is a free application which needs to be filled out and notarized.

We are encouraging everyone who signs up for this program to also have a ‘File of Life’ (SB Health Department initiative) filled out and placed on your refrigerator.

I am available to come to your homes if you are homebound or have a difficult time coming to the senior center and will assist with filling out both.

 OPERATION BLUE ANGEL APPLICATION

Please call or email me if you have any questions at:

732.329.4000 X 7212 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .