Knox Box (Lock Box)
Knox Box Information
Quick Links:
Commercial Knox Box
What is a Commercial Knox Box?
The Knox Box is a box that contains keys to the structure so the Fire Department can access an emergency area quickly, without causing property damage. This system saves valuable time that can be wasted while the Fire Department waits for a property owner to arrive and unlock their building. The box itself is very secure and very durable.
Advantages:
-Allows the Fire Department quick access to restricted structures.
-Prevents expensive damage to entry systems at prescribed businesses.
-The Knox Box is considerably cheaper than damage that may occur to a business.
-Most insurance deductibles do not cover damage under $500.
-Waiting for a business contact to arrive can provide long delays, if they can be contacted at all.
Who is Required to Have a Knox Box (New Occupancies/Structures)
According to North Liberty City Ordinance 37.01 the following new structures are required to have a Knox Box installed prior to receiving an Occupancy Permit:
- Commercial, industrial, and public structures.
- Multi-family residential structures (defined as three or more dwelling units for the purpose of this chapter) that have shared or common hallways or entrances.
- Mixed use commercial and residential structures.
- Any other structures that have an automatic fire suppression system as defined in the International Fire Code and/or a fire alarm system, except for one and two-family dwellings that have a NFPA 13D fire sprinkler system (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two- Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes) and/or a residential fire alarm system.
Who is Required to Have a Knox Box (Existing Occupancies/Structures)
According to North Liberty City Ordinance 37.02 the following existing structures are required to install a Knox Box within six months of being notified:
- Existing structures that have an automatic fire suppression system as defined in the International Fire Code and/or a fire alarm system shall install a key lock box within six months of being notified. One or two-family dwellings that have a NFPA 13D fire sprinkler system (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes) and/or a residential fire alarm system are exempt from this requirement
- Existing structures that do not have an automatic fire suppression system as defined in the International Fire Code and/or a fire alarm system shall install a key lock box if an occupant or owner of the structure applies for a building permit. One or two family dwellings are exempt from this requirement.
Which Knox Box To Order:
Determine the number of keys that will be in the Knox Box (See “Required Keys”) below:
10 or Less Keys
3200 Series Knox Box
11 or More Keys
4400 Series Knox Box
How to Order:
Emergency Key Box – Knox Rapid Access System
Where to Mount the Knox Box:
According to North Liberty City Ordinance/Lock Box Policy:
-Will be located at or near the main entrance to the building or property
-Mounted at a height of six (6) feet above final grade (No Exceptions)
-For added security, it is preferred the Knox Box is mounted to masonry or brick if available
Required Keys:
Apartments & Condominiums:
-Front & Rear Door Key and/or Bldg. & Unit Master Key, Sprinkler Room & Fire Alarm Panel
Apartments & Condos W/ Elevator:
-Front & Rear Door Key and/or Bldg. & Unit Master Key, Sprinkler Room & Fire Alarm Panel
-Fire Fighter Elevator Phase Key & Hoistway Door Key
Commercial:
-Front & Rear Door Key and/or Bldg. & Unit Master Key, Sprinkler Room & Fire Alarm Panel
Commercial W/ Elevator:
-Front & Rear Door Key and/or Bldg. & Unit Master Key, Sprinkler Room & Fire Alarm Panel
-Fire Fighter Elevator Phase Key & Hoistway Door Key
Other:
-Place the Red Reflective Sticker provided by the Knox Company in the exterior of the upper corner of each main entry door; door handle side. (You can purchase additional stickers from Knox Company Part #1001) (See Picture Below)
-It is the Occupancies responsibility to contact the fire department if keys are changed or replaced.
-Separate Knox Boxes are required for each occupied structure not physically connected.
-Additional Knox Boxes maybe required for larger occupancies.
Residential Knox Box / Home Box
W
hat is a Residential Knox Box?
The Residential Knox Box is a box that contains a key so the Fire Department can gain access to your home in the event of an emergency, without causing property damage. The Residential Knox Box can be permanently mounted or securely mounted with a door hanger.
Advantages:
During an emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, the Fire Department cannot always wait for a key holder to arrive to unlock a door. In the past, if the Fire Department needed to make entry, we would have to force our way through a locked door or window. This often created costly damage to the home. Furthermore, when the emergency situation was remedied, the home was very difficult to secure. With a Residential Knox Box, Firefighters are able to make efficient, safe access to your home. After the emergency is over, the keys can be locked back in the Knox Box and the residence re-secured. This results in a quick entry, no damage, and a secured home!
How to Order:
Knox Residential Box – Visit Knox Company Website
Knox Home Box – Call 800-552-5669 to place order
Resources:
Temporary Residential Home Box Program
What is the Temporary Residential Home Box Program?
The Temporary Residential HomeBox program was designed to help residents of North Liberty, Penn Township and Madison Township still living independently at home. The Fire Department does not want to cause you any more hardships or unnecessary repair bills. The Temporary Residential HomeBox program allows you to use a HomeBox free of charge for up to one year. Supplies are limited in this program and may go fast. A waiting list may be created as the need arises. The Fire Department offers one as a temporary service from the city. Having a HomeBox at your residence will provide you and your family with peace of mind in the event of an emergency. Some terms and conditions apply for enrollment.
Advantages:
These boxes are a short-term answer for residents living at home who may need medical assistance from time to time. Imagine if you were hurt and/or unable to get to your locked door while the ambulance was coming. Once the ambulance crew arrived at your house the crew would try to find an unlocked door or window to make entry. If the crew is unable to find an easy way in, the next option is forcible entry through your door or window. Occasionally doors and other parts around the door are damaged and require replacement. Sometimes these repairs can be costly. However, this could have been avoided if a HomeBox was in place.
To Apply:
Complete application below and email to Fire Marshal Bryan Hardin
(319) 626-5709
Resources:
Elevator Lobby Lock Box
New and existing structures with elevators are required to install a Knox Elevator Knox Box. Each bank of Elevators are required to have a separate Elevator Knox Box.
How to Order:
Knox Company Website
Where to Mount the Knox Box:
– Main level, Next to each elevator bank
– Mounting height of 5 1/2′ off of floor level
Required Keys:
– Elevator Hoistway Door Key (Drop Key)
– Firefighter Elevator Phase Key (FEO-K1 Key)
Emergency Gate Switch & Padlock
Electric & manual gates that are on a required fire department apparatus road/drive are required to have a Knox Gate Key Switch or Knox Padlock installed for fire department access.
Which Gate Switch & Padlock to order:
-Knox Key Switch #3502 or #3511 on Plate (Required for all Electric Gates)
-Knox Padlock Exterior (Required for all Manual Gates)
How to Order:
Knox Company Website
Emergency Gate Key Switch:
Fire Department Connection (FDC) Sprinkler Locking Caps
Locking fire department connections caps approved by the fire department are required for all new construction that have a water-based fire protective system and existing structures that have a water-based fire protective system immediately after conducting the five year obstruction and maintenance testing or if one or more of the fire department caps are missing.
Which Locking FDC caps to order:
-1 1/2″ FDC Connection – #3190 for each inlet (Typically 1 per FDC)
-2 1/2″ FDC Connection – #3310 or #3111 for each inlet (Typically 2 or 3 per FDC)
How to Order:
Knox Company Website
To add or update your keys contact the Fire Marshal at 626-5709.