A Knox Box is a small, heavy-duty wall-mounted safe that holds building keys for fire departments, police, and emergency medical services to retrieve in an emergency.
By using a master key held only by local emergency responders, they can gain access to a building quickly without having to break doors or windows, which saves time and prevents costly property damage.
How It Works
- Installation: Property owners purchase the box and mount it near the main entrance of a building.
- Security: The box is constructed of heavy steel and is extremely difficult to tamper with or break into.
- Access: Only the local fire department or emergency agency has the specific master key (often electronically tracked) to open the box.
- Contents: Inside, the building owner places entry keys, access cards, or elevator keys.
Why They Are Used
- Rapid Entry: Every second counts during a fire or medical emergency. Responders don’t have to wait for a key-holder to arrive.
- Minimized Damage: Forcing entry through a commercial glass door or a reinforced steel frame can cost thousands of dollars. A Knox Box eliminates this need.
- Automatic Alarms: If a fire alarm goes off late at night when a building is empty, the fire department can investigate the interior immediately.