The Knox Box system is used by Albany Fire Department to expedite entry and eliminate property damage caused by the forcible entry required for evaluation of emergency situations and easily secure the building when leaving.
What is a Knox Box? A highly secure, U.L. listed, nearly impenetrable steel vault for the storage of entry keys, fire alarm panel keys, or mechanical system keys for Fire Department use.
Who has the keys to my Knox Box? The keys to access Knox Boxes are located in electronically audited locked boxes inside emergency response vehicles and cannot be duplicated.
Albany Fire Department has used the Knox Box system since the mid-1970s. To date there have been no stolen, broken, or illegally accessed boxes.
What authority allows the Fire Department to require me to buy/install a Knox Box? Section 506 of the 2019 Oregon Fire Code (OFC) reads, “When access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life saving or fire fighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be an approved type and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.” The fire code official for the Albany Fire Department is the Fire Marshal.
When are Knox Boxes required? The Fire Marshal has determined that all buildings containing automatic fire alarm, fire sprinkler, or fire suppression sprinkler systems shall provide a Knox Box and the required keys for access to the building.
Why? There is a real possibility of an alarm occurring when the business is locked and vacant. The availability of a key allows firefighters to safely enter the building, without causing damage, to evaluate the conditions and secure the premises.
Mounting Instructions
- Mount on the striker side of the main entrance or riser/fire control room door.
- Knox Box should be 6 feet from ground to center of box.
- Knox Box shall not be blocked from plain view.
- Knox Box shall not project more than 4 inches out into a walking surface.
Important information for contractors/installers
Your Knox Box shall be installed:
- Prior to approval for building/space occupancy as designated on your approved building construction plans. If not indicated, contact the Albany Fire Department and a Deputy Fire Marshal will visit your site to approve location prior to installation.
- If you are unsure or have questions, call 541-917-7700 prior to mounting the box.
- Once the Knox Box is mounted and you are ready to lock keys inside, call 541-917-7700 to request assistance.
Ordering and installing your Knox Box
- See this flyer for more information (pdf)
- On-line ordering is available for all Knox products at www.knoxbox.com.
- Call 541-917-7700 for additional assistance.
