HVFD KNOX BOX PROGRAM

About the KNOX Box System:

The Knox-Box® Rapid Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and first responders. First Responders across North America use the Knox-Box Rapid Entry System to prevent costly entry damage while protecting property and lives. When a fire breaks out or there is a medical emergency, Knox® products allow immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. Property owners store entrance keys, access cards and floor plans in high-security Knox-Box key boxes mounted near building entrances. Each Knox-Box purchased by a property owner is keyed to a single master key controlled by the local responding department.
In addition to key boxes and vaults, Knox padlocks and key switches operate with the same master key. There are so many gated communities today that fire and police departments are delayed when responding to emergency calls. Increased property damage and even total loss is a threat when property is not accessible.
The Knox Rapid Entry System was developed to save property and lives. KNOX Box website: www.knoxbox.com .

Recommendations from Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department:

We recommend that ALL Commercial structures have a KNOX Box System for the building. All NEW buildings that are built in St. Mary’s County must meet the NFPA Guidelines and have a KNOX Box installed prior to the completion of the building.
We recommend the following KNOX Box Series; 3200 Series, 4400 Series, or 4100 Series. All of these boxes can be either recessed or surface mounted.
Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department also recommends the following keys for inside the KNOX Box; Main Entrance Doors, Elevator Control, Fire Control Room, Boiler/HVAC Control Room, and Any other pertinent Keys (Electric, Roof, Stairs, etc.). All keys should be marked accordingly and if the building is 5 stories or more a second set of keys shall be placed in the KNOX Box.

How to obtain a KNOX Box for your Building:

Simply go to the Knox Box web site at www.knoxbox.com and go to the left column that says "to place an order" and select what series Box you would like to have at your business.  Next it will ask you to enter a Zip code.  Please enter 20636 and select Hollywood Vol. Fire Department.  Once you have selected HVFD then you can choose and order the products just like ordering anything from the web.
If you would like to get an order form or if you have any questions reference the HVFD KNOX Box Program please feel free to contact the Station at (301)373-2900 or e-mail us at info@hvfd7.com . We will be glad to bring an order form to your business and answer any questions you may have.

Ten Reasons to Install a KNOX Box:

1. Eliminate needless, costly forced entry damage that may not be covered by your insurance deductible.
2. Assure immediate building entry by Firefighters without delay or waiting for building keys.
3. Protect inventory, equipment and supplies from unnecessary water damage caused by delayed sprinkler shut-off.
4. Satisfy local fire codes and emergency access ordinances.
5. Save time and aggravation by not having to drive to your building at 2:00 a.m. for a false alarm.
6. Feel secure about emergency coverage when your building is left unattended. The Fire Department holds the ONLY key to the KNOX-BOX.
7. Maintain building security after a fire alarm investigation by simply re-locking the undamaged door.
8. Protect your property from thousands of dollars in damage with this one-time, low cost investment.
9. Depend on the highest lock box security available with attack resistant, UL tested reliability.
10. Over the last 25 years, KNOX-BOX has been the chosen solution in 6,000 communities nationwide.

KNOX Box Questions and Answers

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 fire department has an exclusive key code. All Knox Box stations in that fire district are keyed alike--and only the fire department has master keys.

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.

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!