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.
The A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. has been utilizing the Knox System within our district for over five years. The vendor we use is the Knox Company - makers of the Knox Box. We have established the following guidelines listed below to assist contractors building and building owners within our district the process necessary for procurement and installation of the Knox-Box.
Please keep in mind that if a fire is detected at the building, firefighters on location will gain entry by the fastest means possible (most likely not using a key).
Procuring a Knox Box Online (Recommend Method)
- Click here to go to the Knox Box Website
- Enter Zip Code or Department Name
- Select "A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co."
- Follow the on screen directions to order.
- NOTE: The default options typically apply to the majority of the installations, so you can leave those selections as is.
- Enter the Buyer Information to Finish!
Procuring a Knox Box by Phone
Call Knox Box Customer Service at 866 - 625 - 4563. Advise them you want to purchase a Knox Box for your building. You may be asked which model you would like to purchase. You can view the different models available on the Knox Box Website. Make sure you tell the operator that the fire department is A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. Applications can be picked up at the fire house located at 37 Walnut Street. Please call 814 - 774 - 8218 in advance or Contact Us.
We recommend the Knox Box 3200 Series
The most popular KNOX-BOX product is the heavy-duty, high-security 3200 Series key box that stores keys, access cards and other small items. Optional tamper switches allow you to connect the KNOX-BOX to a building's alarm system, adding
further security.
Note: It is recommended for new concrete or masonry construction, that you purchase a recessed Knox-Box with a Recessed Mounting Kit (RMK).
Knox Box Installation
Generally speaking, the box should be installed in a location that is readily visible and accessible to 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 the station at 814 - 774 - 8218 and leave a message. The Chief Officer will return your call as soon as possible.
Securing the Knox Box
Contact the station at 814 - 774 - 8218 and speak to a firefighter or leave a message letting us know that the box is ready to be used. 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 station. Simply call 814 - 774 - 8218 and leave a message for the Fire Chief. The 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 the Knox Box Customer Service Line at 866 - 625 - 4563.
