Kimberton Fire Company Knox Box Policy

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A Knox Box on the outside of a building in East Pikeland Township.
Knox Box is very unobtrusive, yet makes access to a building easy for all involved.

KIMBERTON FIRE COMPANY
FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES
INITIATED BY:  Company Body
DATE:  1/1/2006
APPROVED BY THE FIRE CHIEF:  C Fields - Fire Chief 2006
SUBJECT:  7.3 KNOX BOX POLICY

PURPOSE:

In an effort to provide both fire department emergency access and building security for buildings, the Fire department has selected the Knox Box public Safety Key Box System for use in accomplishment of these goals. This is a system that will allow us access to a key for non-destructive entry into a building.

This is a mandatory system (for commercial establishments in East Pikeland and West Vincent Twps with fire alarm systems) as well as a voluntary program for non-alarmed commercial and residential properties in all municipalities served by the Kimberton Fire Dept. In this program the building owner/occupant orders the box (from authorized forms) to install on or in his building to secure a key(s) for use by the fire department in an emergency, Personnel should encourage the use of this box at any opportunity.

GENERAL INFO:

Fire department personnel must communicate the purpose, benefits and positive impact the system will have on the community. Provide enough information about the benefits of the Knox Box system so that a mutual trust is created and acceptance will follow. During this awareness phase, be sure to pay particular attention to the personalities involved and address individual issues and concerns. In order to create a willingness to participate in a community-wide rapid entry system, communicate the value of the system in terms of decreased loss of life and property to business/residential owners. Remember to answer negative attitudes about financial and regulatory burdens with the valuable benefits of rapid entry as noted below.

Cost Vs Savings: The cost to the property owner for a Knox box should be compared with potential savings realized by:
1) Eliminating forced entry damage
2) Reducing the response time needed by the fire department to gain access into a structure during anytime of day or night, holidays included.
3) Eliminating need for authorized personnel (key runners) to deliver keys to the building site during an alarm response.
The Knox system eliminates entry delays; therefore it minimizes internal damage to the structure. In addition, the fire department is able to achieve maximum efficiency when responding to alarms. The potential for firefighter injury is reduced as well (no forced entry is required). The system call also provides valuable Haz-Mat information, emergency contact info, etc to responding emergency personnel.

Homes and Businesses having these Boxes shall be noted at the 911 Center in the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system. This way responders immediately know the home or facility is equipped with a box as soon as the address is entered. This information is immediately sent to computers in fire units and station printers as soon as an emergency call is dispatched.

LIABILITY:

The Fire department has an obligation to enter private property when summoned by a fire alarm. The fire departments mission is based on this obligation and consequently includes a certain level of liability (responsibility). The Knox system does NOT increase fire department or local government liability.

KEY ACCESS:

No fire officer will be issued a key that will unlock any box within the system. Fire Apparatus is equipped with a Sentralok Master Key retention device. This allows the master key to only be released from the unit via tones issued by the 911 center dispatcher. Upon release of the key the box shall be opened & the key returned to the unit immediately. This ensures that there are no knox box keys laying around for possible theft.

PROCUREMENT/ORDER VERIFICATION:

To procure a lock box the building owner must obtain an application from the fire department, complete the application including having it signed by the fire chief or his designee and send it to the knox Company along with payment. The Knox box will be shipped to the purchaser. At the time you provide the form to the purchaser, it represents an opportunity to review the type of equipment required and to provide any further info the property owner may need.
Order verification by the fire department is important because it provides the opportunities to verify the correct item(s) are being ordered. It also allows confirmation of the installation address for properly keyed equipment. This authorization process prevents someone from ordering a box that will not be used in our jurisdiction. Common Oversights; when a completed order is received at the order is ready for shipment within five (5) working days. Shipping time varies by customer location. However there are sights that can slow down the process:

1. No Authorization signature

2. No Payment included

3. No Installation address

4. Inaccurate product order info

Make sure the owner is educated regarding the department's policies and procedures. This will help eliminate delayed orders and frustration on the part of the property owner and the fire department.

Knox Boxes can also be purchased directly from the Fire Company for the same price. This allows for a quicker implementation time.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURES:

Upon receipt of the item(s), the building owner shall contact the appropriate Fire department representative to arrange for an approved mounting location (if not done prior to placing the order). It will be the Fire departments responsibility to schedule an appointment to meet with the owner to witness the placing of the keys (and any other paperwork) in the box and lock such key box for the owner/FD. All parties shall all sign the prescribed form (KFD-3) with copies being distributed as follows:
Original - Building owner/Occupant
1st Copy - Fire departments designee
If the building will be closed at any time it is suggested the box be installed outside, in sight of the main entrance just above eye level, or as approved by the fire department. These boxes can be equipped with "tamper-alarm" features, which should be recommended.

PROCEDURE TO ADD/REMOVE KEYS:

The building owner/occupant or an officer (whichever requests the change) shall follow the same procedure as outlined in the installation procedure section of this SOG.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Fire Chief is ultimately accountable for providing security for the Knox box keys assigned to his/her officers. Any missing keys shall immediately be reported verbally and followed up in writing to the chief. Maintenance of security of lock box keys is essential to maintain creditability of the program and any loss will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action initiated.

VERIFICATION:

The Chief or his designee shall ensure that a yearly check is performed on each box. This shall consist of checking for accuracy of keys, box lid operation, tamper alarm operation (if applicable). A form shall be completed and kept on file in case of an incident at a later date.

FAILURE TO INSTALL:

Should a commercial building in East Pikeland or West Vincent Twps (equipped with a fire alarm) fail to be equipped with such Knox box the forcible entry policy shall be implemented. The Fire department shall give a responding key holder ten (10) minutes to arrive should there be no box but someone is enroute.