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Lock Box Program |
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Use by thousands of Fire Departments, the primary component of the Knox Rapid Entry System is a key box unique to the jurisdiction in which it is used. Only North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue will have access to boxes used in the region. The system will improve emergency service to building owners and occupants, and can result in savings by eliminating property damage from forced entry.
Use of the Knox Rapid Entry System became authorized in 1999. North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue may require a key box containing access keys to be installed at the entrance to structures where access for the purpose of life safety or fire fighting is unduly difficult.
HOW DOES THE RAPID ENTRY SYSTEM WORK?
A building owner installs a Knox key box on the exterior of the building at the main entrance point. The box will be equipped with a lock which can be opened only with a key that is issued solely to North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue. Emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and chiefs cars are equipped with the key.
At the time the Knox box is installed, the building owner arranges for North Hudson Regional to visit their facility, inspect the access keys that will be placed inside the box, and then lock the access keys inside the Knox box using the special security key. Individual keys for storage rooms, alarm cabinets, utility rooms, etc, must be properly labeled before placement within the box.
The building owner is not able obtain a key to open the Knox box. If keys must be added or removed, arrangements must be made for North Regional to visit the facility to open the box, inspect the change of keys, and than lock the box.
INSTALLING THE KNOX BOX SYSTEM
The building owner is responsible for installation of the Knox key box. It must be mounted on the building at a height of six feet and within three feet of the direct access point {front door.}
Once the Knox key box is installed, the building owner contacts North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue during office Hours to finalize the installation. North Hudson Regional will visit the site to inspect the box and install the access keys.
OTHER KNOX BOX APPLICATION
A Knox box should be installed in the lobby of high rise buildings directly alongside the main elevator bank and at eye level. The box will contain fire service elevator keys and other passkeys for various areas of the building. The key within the box must be readily identifiable and the elevator service shall be kept separate from all other keys.
WHEN IS A KNOX BOX REQUIRED?
North Hudson Regional personnel will determine if a Knox key box is required at building. If a box is required, the responsible party will be notified in writing of the need to obtain a key box.
North Hudson Regional will no longer accept individual keys to buildings. If an owner wishes to provide key access to the building, a Knox key box will be required.
KNOX BOX INSTRUCTIONAL SHEET
Individual key for storage rooms, alarm cabinets, utility rooms, etc. must be properly labeled before placement inside the box. |
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NORTH HUDSON REGIONAL FIRE & RESCUE |
Seconds count in a life threatening emergency or fire, yet many times
Firefighters responding to an emergency find access blocked by locked
entrance doors or gates. To help reduce delays in providing emergency
assistance, North Hudson regional fire and rescue has adopted the Knox
rapid entry system.
When
a building owner or manager chooses to install a Knox box an application
is obtained at Regional Fire Headquarters located at 11 Port Imperial
Boulevard, West New York. The application contains
the necessary information for purchase of the box.