Picture this: It is 2:00 in the morning and your business has been closed down for the night. Suddenly, you receive a phone call from Central Dispatch advising you that your fire alarm has activated and that the Fire Department is responding. This time, they won’t be using an axe to gain access into the building however, they will simply unlock the door and walk right in.
The Fire Department discovers that dust buildup in a smoke detector head has set off the alarm and that there is no actual danger of fire. You can rest easy knowing that not only has your business is safe, but that no more property damage was sustained to help the Fire Department make entry.
How about this: You have an elderly relative who has fallen and possibly sustained an injury. Luckily, your relative was able to contact 911 so an Ambulance and the Fire Department is on the way. But the door is locked. No problem! The Fire Department can open the front door with the exact key normally used to unlock it, saving time and property damage and getting your relative to safety as soon as possible.
But how did they do this? Does the Fire Department have a key to every building in the city? Close, but not exactly. They have one, single key. One key to access your Knox Box located by the front door that contains any key needed to access your home or business.
What is a Knox-Box system?
It’s a high-security box system, designed to give firefighters and emergency services immediate access to locked buildings, elevators, and other secured areas.
Why install a Knox-Box?
Installation of a Knox-Box on your property will not only allow firefighters faster access in case of an emergency, but will also prevent expensive forcible entry should emergency services be required while the premises are unoccupied. Costly front doors and entry ways needn’t be harmed if entry keys are available on-site!
How does the Knox-Box system work?
Following your purchase of a Knox-Box from the factory, you will mount it securely on the exterior of your building; attractive recessed-mount models are available. All necessary access keys will be locked inside by a representative of the fire department; only the fire department’s master key can open the box. The Knox-Box gives the fire department a simple alternative to expensive, time-consuming forcible entry. The generous interior capacity allows you to store everything emergency personnel may require–keys, floor plans, electronic entry cards, and more–in complete security until needed.
How secure is a Knox-Box system?
Security has always been a Knox strong point. Designed for maximum protection, each virtually indestructible box features a special high-security Medeco lock and key. This Medeco restricted locking system guards against unauthorized key duplication. Keys aren’t even available to locksmiths or lock distributors–only The Knox Company can supply these keys! The Knox-Box system offers maximum security at every step. Each city has an exclusive key code. All Knox Box stations in that city are keyed alike–and only the fire department has master keys.
How is a Knox-Box installed?
Each Knox-Box is shipped with complete mounting instructions; however, your fire department will assist you in choosing a proper location for mounting. After installation is completed, the fire department will conduct an inspection of the installation and lock building keys inside the box. As soon as building keys are locked inside the box, it is ready to provide immediate access to emergency personnel– 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Knox-Box Online Purchase Procedure
. Go to Knox-Box.com
. At the top left of the page, select “Choose Your Local Fire Department Agency”
. Select the state of Missouri and type in “West Plains Fire Dept” then click search
. Select “West Plains Fire Dept” for commercial applications
. Select “West Plains Fire Dept Residential Use ONLY – Home Boxes” for residential applications
. Browse the site to find the right product for your application
. Select the item to be purchased, and click “Add to Cart”
. Fill in all applicable fields and click “Save Address”
. Review products and quantities in your cart and click “Submit for E-Approval”
When the Knox-Box arrives, contact the fire department at 417-256-2424 and ask for a Certified Fire Inspector. We will meet with you to determine the best location for your new Knox Box, and once it has been installed, the key(s) will then be secured.
Please keep in mind that if key changes are made to the building, the fire department needs to be notified immediately so the replacement keys can be placed into the Knox Box.