To learn more, visit the GSFR Knox Box page.

Key Boxes for Emergency Access

The Knox Box® Rapid Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and fire departments. When a fire breaks out or there is a medical emergency, Knox products allow immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay.

Knox Rapid Entry System

Used by fire departments throughout the country, the primary component of the Knox Rapid Entry System is a key box unique to the jurisdiction in which it is located. Only Granite Shoals Fire Rescue has the key to open fire department access boxes located within our city. Property owners store entrance keys, access cards, and floor plans in high-security Knox Boxes mounted near building entrances. Each Knox Box purchased by a property owner is keyed to a single master key controlled only by Granite Shoals Fire Rescue. In addition to key boxes and vaults, Knox padlocks and key switches operate with the same master key.

There are so many gated communities today that fire and police departments are delayed when responding to emergency calls. Increased property damage and even total loss is a threat when property is not accessible. Use of the system can improve emergency access to buildings and result in savings by eliminating property damage from fire department forced entry. The Knox Rapid Entry System was developed to save property and lives.

Use of the Knox Rapid Entry System is authorized by the Fire Code. The code specifies that the fire department may require a key box containing access keys be installed at the entrance to structures or areas where access for the purpose of life safety or fire fighting is restricted.

How Does it Work?

A building owner installs a Knox Box on the exterior of the building near the main entrance point. The box is manufactured with a lock which can be opened only with a key that is issued solely to Granite Shoals Fire Rescue. Fire apparatus in Granite Shoals are each equipped with one Knox box key, held in a special electronic security device.

When emergency access is required, the arriving fire department member in charge removes the key from the special security device in their fire department vehicle and opens the Knox Box to remove the building main entrance key. After use, the fire department member returns the entrance key to the key box and locks it, and then returns the special Knox Box key to the security device inside the emergency vehicle.

Installation Location

The building owner is responsible for installation of the Knox Box. It must be securely mounted on the building exterior at a height of between four to six feet (chest high is preferred), and at the fire department main direct access point (front door, main gate). Recessed mount Knox Box installations are strongly recommended.

For more information, view Obtaining and Installing a Knox Box.

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