Knox-Box
Pennfield Township Fire Department
Encourages Use of Knox-Box
The Knox-Box Rapid Entry System provides non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property. It provides faster emergency response without forced entry damage. Knox key boxes, vaults, and cabinets hold building entrance keys, electronic access cards and vital emergency information. Knox key switches and padlocks provide fire department access through property gates. While many commercial buildings in the township utilize the Knox-Box system, the fire department suggests the use of these in residential homes as well.
The residential key box provides entry for fire and medical emergencies on residences – single-family homes and apartment complexes. It gives the Fire Department fast access to a home when the owner is not there or is unable to answer the door due to illness or disability. Installing a Knox-Box also decreases dependence on neighbors or family members who may have misplaced the house key or may be unavailable when emergency help arrives. There is no waiting for a property owner to unlock the door in the middle of the night and no need to force the door open or break windows to gain entry. It can be mounted permanently near the door or directly on the door or if the key box is needed only temporarily, it is available with a temporary door hanger that is not removable once the door is shut. For residential use only, it holds a maximum of two keys.
There are numerous benefits to using a Knox-Box system:
Emergency Medical Services
When you are injured or become critically ill, paramedics can respond quickly, without forcing entry, when a KNOX-BOX is installed by your front door. They simply remove the entrance key stored inside, provide medical assistance and re-lock the door when they leave.
Fire/Security Alarm Response
If no one is home and an alarm activates, firefighters and other emergency responders must determine if it is a false alarm or an actual emergency. Without a KNOX-BOX, responders often force entry to determine the answer.
Senior citizen “LifeLine” Support
Elderly and/or critically ill citizens who depend on medical support services such as LifeLine™, also rely on fast response to calls for emergency aid. Knox-Box key boxes prevent forced entry and additional stress for the patient.
Paramedic and Firefighter Safety
When emergency responders cannot unlock the front door, they search for an alternate means of entry. Sometimes it is difficult to determine which rear window or door to try before forcing entry. If they accidentally enter the wrong apartment, serious injury can result from the surprised occupant.
Gated Communities Access
Quickly getting through the gate and to the resident that called for help is often difficult. With the Knox System, the gate can be opened with a Knox Key Switch and the person in need can be reached by unlocking the front door with an entrance key safely stored in their Residential KNOX-BOX.
For more information regarding the use of residential Knox-Box systems, please contact the fire department.
Encourages Use of Knox-Box
The Knox-Box Rapid Entry System provides non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property. It provides faster emergency response without forced entry damage. Knox key boxes, vaults, and cabinets hold building entrance keys, electronic access cards and vital emergency information. Knox key switches and padlocks provide fire department access through property gates. While many commercial buildings in the township utilize the Knox-Box system, the fire department suggests the use of these in residential homes as well.
The residential key box provides entry for fire and medical emergencies on residences – single-family homes and apartment complexes. It gives the Fire Department fast access to a home when the owner is not there or is unable to answer the door due to illness or disability. Installing a Knox-Box also decreases dependence on neighbors or family members who may have misplaced the house key or may be unavailable when emergency help arrives. There is no waiting for a property owner to unlock the door in the middle of the night and no need to force the door open or break windows to gain entry. It can be mounted permanently near the door or directly on the door or if the key box is needed only temporarily, it is available with a temporary door hanger that is not removable once the door is shut. For residential use only, it holds a maximum of two keys.
There are numerous benefits to using a Knox-Box system:
Emergency Medical Services
When you are injured or become critically ill, paramedics can respond quickly, without forcing entry, when a KNOX-BOX is installed by your front door. They simply remove the entrance key stored inside, provide medical assistance and re-lock the door when they leave.
Fire/Security Alarm Response
If no one is home and an alarm activates, firefighters and other emergency responders must determine if it is a false alarm or an actual emergency. Without a KNOX-BOX, responders often force entry to determine the answer.
Senior citizen “LifeLine” Support
Elderly and/or critically ill citizens who depend on medical support services such as LifeLine™, also rely on fast response to calls for emergency aid. Knox-Box key boxes prevent forced entry and additional stress for the patient.
Paramedic and Firefighter Safety
When emergency responders cannot unlock the front door, they search for an alternate means of entry. Sometimes it is difficult to determine which rear window or door to try before forcing entry. If they accidentally enter the wrong apartment, serious injury can result from the surprised occupant.
Gated Communities Access
Quickly getting through the gate and to the resident that called for help is often difficult. With the Knox System, the gate can be opened with a Knox Key Switch and the person in need can be reached by unlocking the front door with an entrance key safely stored in their Residential KNOX-BOX.
For more information regarding the use of residential Knox-Box systems, please contact the fire department.