KNOX BOXES

A Knox-Box, known officially as the KNOX-BOX Rapid Entry System, is a small, wall-mounted safe that holds building keys for the Fire Department (and sometimes the Police Department) to retrieve in emergency situations. Kutztown Fire & Resce has master keys to all Knox Boxes in our response area, so that we can quickly enter a building without having to force entry or find individual keys held in deposit at the station. The Knox Master Keys are locked in KeySecure devices in Engine 46, Rescue 46 and Ladder 46. KeySecure records an audit trail of when the key is accessed. Our Chief Officers also maintain Knox Master Keys to enable them to respond and assist when an apparatus is not needed.

A KnoxBox can simplify key control for local fire departments. It can also cut fire losses for building owners since firefighters can enter buildings without breaking doors or windows. It can also reduce the potential of a firefighter being injured forcing entry. KnoxBoxes can be ordered with an optional tamper switch that can be connected to your burglar alarm system as an added method of security.

An example of a KnoxBox	A Knox KeySecure, attached inside the cab of a fire engine.

We highly encourage everyone, residents, and businesses alike, to purchase a Knox-Box Rapid Entry System for their property. For single-family residences, we recommend the Knox HomeBox or the Residential Box. The HomeBox is designed to be mounted to your front door, either directly to the door or with a door hanger bracket. Click here to access the Knox Box Residential website. Select "Pennsylvania" and then type in "Kutztown". As you type, it will recommend the agency. Be sure to click on "Kutztown Fire Co. #1". You will then get the option to choose again. Select the option that says, "Residential Use ONLY - HomeBoxes". This will take you to the page for the residential units.

For commercial, rental, student housing, and any other properties, we recommend ordering the most appropriate Knox-Box for your specific setup. Click here to go to the Knox Box Online Store. Select "Pennsylvania" from the list and then type in "Kutztown". As you type, it will recommend the agency. Be sure to click on "Kutztown Fire Co. #1". You will then get the option to choose again. Select the option without the wording for residential use. This will take you to the page for the commercial units. If you need assistance or guidance with what products to purchase, please contact us and we will help you.

Kutztown Fire & Rescue uses an "E-Approval" method for Knox-Box purchases. When you place your order, a notification is sent to us that an order has been requested. We must approve the order to be processed before it is billed and shipped to you. Once you receive and mount the Knox-Box, you must contact us so that we can come over and lock your key(s) for your property inside the Knox-Box.