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1. What is a Knox Box?

A Knox Box is an entry system that allows the Everett Fire Department to gain entry to your property in the event of an emergency. The components of a Knox Box include a UL-listed steel access box (or other access devices) with a UL-listed steel lid, lock, and key controlled only by the Everett Fire Department. Knox Boxes may be ordered from the Knox Company.

2. When is a Knox Box required?

Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted 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. (International Fire Code 506.1)

3. How do I order a Knox Box or other Knox systems?

STEP 1 

Go to knoxbox.com.

STEP 2

When you reach the knoxbox.com, click "BUY" located on the top right corner of the screen.

STEP 3

You should see “Knox Online Store”.

STEP 4

Use the “Select State/Province” drop-box, and select WASHINGTON.

STEP 5

Using the space that says “Enter department name”, type “Everett Fire Dept” then push the red “Search” button to the right.

STEP 6

The “Everett Fire Dept” show up on the bottom left of the screen, push the blue “Select Department” button located on the bottom right of the screen.

STEP 7

You should see “Everett Fire Dept – EVERETT, WASHINGTON”. Now you are there, you can make your selections.

4. Does the City make money off the sales of the Knox Box?

No. The Fire Department has no interest in the sales of the Knox Company. The only purpose for the Key Lock System is to improve Fire Department Access in emergencies and to reduce property damage caused by forcible entry.

5. Where should my Knox Box be mounted?

Placement of Box

• No farther than 6 feet from the main/primary entrance to the building/business in a wall-lit area.
• Large buildings may be required to have two or more Knox Boxes
  • First box shall be no farther than 6 feet from the main/primary entrance in a wall lit area.
  • Additional box locations will be determined by the fire code official

• Shared box
  • Business shall be located in the same building.
  • Box shall be properly sized to accommodate the number of keys.
  • The box shall be centrally located in a well-lit area on the building so it is easily recognized by first responders.
  • Red Fire Department Alert Decals shall be placed on the upper right hand corner of each businesses main door.

Mounting Heights 

• Mounted to a building
  •  Mounting height shall be 6 feet
• Mounted to a post
  • Minimum mounting height 3 feet
  • Maximum mounting height 5 feet

Additional Information 

• All boxes shall be mount to a substantial building support, and each box will be inspected prior to keys be secured.
• Surface mounted boxes shall be located in a manner to prevent persons from accidentally hitting the box and causing injury.

Please notify the Fire Marshal’s Office with any questions or concerns regarding the placement of your Knox Box.

6. How do I lock my keys in the Knox Box? I did not receive a key?

Property owners do not receive keys that will open their Knox Box. Any key that will open your Knox Box will also open other Knox Boxes in the City. For that reason, only the Fire Department has the master key. When your box is mounted and ready to install keys, call the Fire Marshal’s Office (425-257-8120) and a Fire Inspector will come and place the keys securely in your box.

7. What keys need to be installed in my Knox Box?

The Everett Fire Department can assist you in determining this. Keys required will vary from one business to another. Keys can range from all inside doors and all inside doors which control access to shared systems such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), sprinkler systems, alarms, and electric panels.

8. What are the different types of Knox Systems and how are they used?

BOXES -

The Knox Box is a box that property owners install on the exterior of their building that will store entrance keys and cards used exclusively by the fire department during emergencies.  When a fire breaks out or there is a medical emergency, the Knox-Box allows immediate entry into a building and/or property by the fire department without forced entry which can cause damage and delay. 

There are a variety of Knox Boxes available to choose from the two most common are the surface mount box and recessed mount box. The surface mounted box allows for the box to be mounted directly to a wall or structure with minimal alterations to the building. The recessed mounted box allows for the box to be mounted recessed into a wall where the door of the box will be the only component of the box exposed. It is also important to consider size of the box prior to placing an ordering, first determine the number of keys or cards that will be needed into the box.

An improperly sized box will cause problems for keys to be secured due to the door on the box not being able to be close and lock properly. If the box cannot be secured properly the fire code official can deny the box and a new or additional box may be required, which will cause unwanted delays to your project.

Benefits to having a Knox Box on you building/ business:  

• Eliminates barriers and allows first responders to quickly gain access to secured properties when time matters most.
• Reduces damage cause by forced entry during an emergency
• Eliminates costly repairs from forced entry in a false alarm scenario

KEY SWITCHES - 

The key switches is primarily utilized to override electronic gates and motorized doors to allow first responders rapid access. Time is critical during an emergency response. Locked gates, fences, or similar barriers can delay first responders from getting to here help is needed. Key switches allow first responder to open electrical gates and roll-up doors without delays and force entry.

International Fire Code 506.2 An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers where required by the fire code official.

LOCKING FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION CAPS (FDC) – 

The Knox Locking Fire Department Connection Caps (FDC Caps) are designed to protect FDCs, keeping pipes clean of debris to ensure the delivery of high-pressure water flow to fire sprinkler systems, protect from damaged threads, and theft of FDC components.

International Fire Code Section 901.6 Fire detection, alarm and extinguishing systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times.

Reasons to use Knox locking FDC caps:

• Prevent debris from blocking system
• Protect connection threads from damage
• Peace of mind knowing the system will work when needed
• Reduce potential theft of FDC components
• Prevent random cap removal
• Keeps your building compliant with Fire Codes

PADLOCKS - 

The Knox Padlocks are primarily utilized where manual operated gates have been installed restricting access to fire department access roads and fire lanes.

International Fire Code 506.2 An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers where required by the fire code official.