The Knox Box Entry System Program is an effort by King and Queen County to provide property owners within King and Queen County a secure system that provides rapid, nondestructive, emergency access to property.
What is a Knox Box?
A Knox Box is a secure key vault that is installed on the exterior of a building near the main entrance. This box contains building keys to provide access for the fire department in emergency situations. The fire department maintains master keys for the Knox boxes in secure locations.
Is the Knox Box required?
No, a Knox Box is not required to be installed in King and Queen County. However, commercial buildings where access is restricted can cause delays for the fire department to gain access either by forcible entry tactics or by waiting for a key holder.
Where can I buy a Knox Box?
Knox Box devices may only be purchased through the Knox Box Company. Contact may be made at www.knoxbox.com or by phone at 1-800-552-5669. When ordering the box, an area zip code must be keyed that coincides with the King and Queen County Fire Department’s response area.
Where do I install the Knox Box?
Knox Boxes shall be mounted as near as possible to the primary entry door and shall not be visually obstructed. This normally will be the main entrance door to the business. The box should not be located further than six (6) feet laterally from the door. The Knox Box should be installed no higher than five (5) feet or no lower than two (2) feet above the ground or walk area. The Knox Box for a gate shall be located on the gate or on a fence or wall within six (6) feet of the gate.
How do I secure my keys inside the box?
Keys to exterior doors, interior doors, electrical and mechanical rooms, and elevator keys are normally kept on one (1) ring inside the Knox Box. After the Knox Box is installed, the owner or their designee must contact the King and Queen Fire Marshal’s Office at (804) 785-5891 to schedule an appointment to secure the keys and lock the Knox box.
Where can I obtain further information?
Further information about Knox Box Rapid Entry Systems can be obtained at www.knoxbox.com.