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Written by Gerald Chamberlin   
Tuesday, 17 April 2007

Knox-Box Installation Guidelines

 


Why Use a Knox-Box?

 

Time is of the essence when responding to emergencies.  During a fire alarm, firefighters need to gain access into a structure as quickly as possible to determine if a problem exists.  When no one is on site to let the firefighters in, entry is delayed.  In the past, fire departments would typically wait for a subscriber to respond after conducting an external scan of the building.  If a subscriber was not available or delayed, crews would forcibly enter the building at the cost of the building owner.  

 

Local Building Code now requires that a lock box system be put in service on all new construction.  This secure box is fastened to the exterior of the structure and contains the keys to enter the building.    The fire department carries one master key that fits all of the lock boxes in the district.  Obviously, this makes entry into the buildings much quicker to determine if a problem exists.

 


*Keep in mind that if a fire is detected at the building, the firefighters will gain entry the fastest way possible (most likely not with a key).

 


The Dansville Fire Department has just began to use a lock box system within our district.  The vendor we use is the Knox Company, makers of the Knox Box
The DFD has established the following guidelines to assist contractors building within our district in the procurement and installation of the Knox-Box:


 

 

Knox-Box Procurement

Online (Preferred):

  1. Go to http://www.knoxbox.com
  2. Click <Online Purchases- 3200 Series> under the pull-down menus
  3. Enter the zip code of building
  4. Select Dansville Fire Department
  5. Click <Buy Now>
  6. The default options typically apply to the majority of the installations, so you can leave those selections as is.
  7. Enter the Buyer Information to Finish!

By Phone:  call the Knox Customer Service at 866-625-4563.  Make sure you tell them the fire department is Dansville.  Applications can also be picked up at our truck house, located at 11 Franklin Street.  Please call ahead 335-7770 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

*According to the Knox Company, orders are usually processed in 7 working days.  Rush delivery is available.

 


Knox-Box Installation

Generally speaking, the box should be installed in a location that is readily visible and accessible to the responding firefighters. Boxes should be mounted about chest height in an open space without obstructions.  They should also be mounted nearest the main-point of entry on a solid surface.  Questions regarding installation can be referred to the fire department.  Contact our dispatcher at 335-3115 and a Chief Officer will return your call as soon as possible.


Securing the Knox-Box

Contact the dispatcher at 585-335-3115 and let the dispatcher know that the box is ready to be closed up.   Please leave a point-of-contact and phone number so a member of the fire department can schedule a time to secure the box.

 

 


Questions

Any questions regarding the purpose, procurement, installation, or closing of the Knox Box should be referred to the Fire Department  at 335-3115.  A Chief Officer will return your call as soon as possible.

Questions specific to the Knox-Box design or hardware installation should be referred directly to Knox Customer Service at 866-625-4563.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 17 April 2007 )