KnoxBox® Rapid Entry System

The Pleasantview Fire Protection District has been using the KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System for over 20 years.  This system was specifically developed for fire departments to gain access to commercial and residential property in case of an emergency.  More than 9,000 fire departments nationwide use Knox® key boxes.  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.

How does it Work?

The use of a rapid Entry Key Box System, or Knox Box®, key box system.  The Knox Box® can securely store keys, access cards, or key fobs or gain access to a building.  This information is intended to outline the requirements for the proper type and installation of secure key boxes and padlocks.  When emergency access is required, the arriving Pleasantview Fire Protection District 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 access keys. After use, the Pleasantview Fire Protection District 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.  All keys stored inside the Knox Boxes must be properly tagged and identified.

Location of the Knox Box

The Knox Box® shall be installed within 10 feet of the main entrance.  All Knox Box® systems shall be installed a minimum of 4 feet and maximum of 6 feet from finished grade.  Additional key boxes may be required based upon access, use of the occupancy and size.  Note: Commercial buildings shall have Knox Box® installed by the outside fire alarm strobe.

Access Controlled Gates

A Knox® Padlock or is required on all manual access controlled gates, when the gates obstruct the fire lane or otherwise obstruct access for emergency response.  In addition, a Knox® Key Switch {KS-2) is required for all automatic access gates.

How to Order a Knox Product

All Knox® products for the Pleasantview Fire Protection District may be ordered through Reliable Fire Equipment Co. by completing the inquiry form below.  If you want product information or installation instructions contact Knox at knoxbox.com.

The building owner is responsible for installation and maintenance of the Knox key box.  Once the Knox key box is installed, the building owner must contact Pleasantview Fire Protection District at (708) 352-9229 to arrange for the appropriate access key to be placed inside the box.  After the box has been locked, future access to add or remove a key from the box should be coordinated through Pleasantview Fire Protection District.