The Paoli Fire Company encourages the use of a KNOX-BOX by our local homeowners and businesses. This system provides the quickest and most secure method of access to your property or building during an emergency. Many establishments in the Tredyffrin, Easttown, and Willistown Township area have already participated in the program.
How It Works
A Knox Box is an access control system allowing Fire or Ambulance personnel to gain access without damaging doors or locks. The Knox Box can not be unlocked without a master key, which the Paoli Fire Company carries on our trucks. When the personnel on site notice you have a Knox Box, they will contact the Chester County Dispatch Center and request the key in the truck to be unlocked. Chester County will log the request in their computer to send an electronic signal to the truck, allowing the master key to be released from its locking device. The master key will then be used to unlock your Knox Box to obtain the key that unlocks your residence or business. Once the personnel on site are done with the master key, it will be returned to the truck and returned to its locking device.
· Eliminate needless, costly forced entry damage that your insurance deductible may not cover.
· Assure immediate building entry by firefighters without delay or waiting for building keys.
· Protect inventory, equipment and supplies from unnecessary water damage caused by delayed sprinkler shut-off.
· Satisfy local fire codes and emergency access ordinances.
· Save time and aggravation by not having to drive to your building at 2:00 a.m. for a false alarm.
· Feel secure about emergency coverage when your building is left unattended. The Fire Department holds the ONLY key to the KNOX-BOX.
· Maintain building security after a fire alarm investigation by simply re-locking the undamaged door.
· Protect your property from thousands of dollars in damage with this one-time, low cost investment.
· Depend on the highest lock box security available with attack resistant, UL tested reliability.
· Over the last 25 years, KNOX-BOX has been the chosen solution in 6,000 communities nationwide.
Questions and Answers
1.) What is a KNOX BOX system?
It's a high-security box system that gives firefighters and emergency services immediate access to locked buildings, elevators, and other secured areas.
2.) 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 entryways needn't be harmed if entry keys are available on-site!
3.) 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. A representative of the fire department will lock all necessary access keys inside; 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.
4.) 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. The department has an exclusive key code. All Knox Box stations in that city are keyed alike--and only the fire department has master keys.
5.) Who can authorize a KNOX BOX system?
Strict security control is maintained by allowing only fire departments to authorize the purchase of each Knox Box. This is achieved by using a special authorization form which you can obtain only from your fire department; the form must be signed by a fire department official whose signature is on file at the factory. After verifying the signature, the Knox box is shipped directly to you. Each Knox Box is shipped without keys, locked in an open position and ready for mounting.
6.) 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 inspect 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.
