Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Knox Box

More Info

City of Palmer/Greater Palmer Fire Service Area
Phone: (907)745-3709

Central Mat-Su Fire Service Area
Phone: (907)861-8030

Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Phone: (907)861-8005

A Knox Box, known officially as the KNOX-BOX© Rapid Entry System, is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and fire departments. 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-Boxes mounted near building entrances. Each Knox-Box purchased by a property owner is keyed to a single master key controlled by the local fire 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mounting instructions are included with your Knox Box purchase. Install the Knox Box no higher than 5 feet from the ground, on the front of building, near the main entrance. If installation is within the Central Mat-Su Fire Service Area, contact the Michelle Wagner in the Fire & Life Safety Division's office (907-861-8030) to schedule a site visit and lock your access key(s) inside the box. For all other service areas within the Borough, contact Casey Laughlin (907-861-8005). See the Knox Box website for instructions on proper mounting.

Download Instructions

Knox Box Online Ordering Instructions
 
To streamline your on-line ordering process and eliminate the possibility of accidentally ordering a box from the wrong service area, we have put together a few simple steps for placing your order. If you have any questions while attempting to complete your on-line order, you can contact either Casey Laughlin (907-861-8005) or Michelle Wagner (907-861-8030).
 
To place your online order, visit www.knoxbox.com
  1. Click the RED "Buy" button in the upper right corner.
  2. The next screen will state “To view products in your area, locate your local first responder department/agency" 
    1. Choose "Alaska" from the "Your Location" drop down menu.
    2. In the "Your Department Name" box, always enter Mat-Su Borough Emerg Svc (not case sensitive, but you need the hyphen).
    3. Click the “Search” button.
  3. Choose the Fire Service Area that the property is located in. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP.
    1. Confirm your property's Fire Service Area (FSA). IF YOU ORDER INCORRECTLY, your area fire department will not be able to open your Knox Box.
    2. Click the RED "Select” button.
  4. If you don't see any products listed on this next page, be sure you click on the "Products" tab near the top of that page, then scroll down a bit. This page will give you the options available to order the 3200 or 4400 Series Commercial boxes. (There are other types of products as well, such as residential boxes, gate switches, and padlocks.)
    1. Enter an accurate installation address (very important - there are times where box maintenance is necessary and we need to be sure your box doesn't get overlooked)
    2. Click “add to cart.”
  5. Proceed to the checkout process.
• Notes about gates: Electronic Gates need to order a “Key Switch” and be wired to the gate. Padlocks are available for gates that are not electronic.

When you have installed your box, contact Casey Laughlin (907-861-8005) or Michelle Wagner (907-861-8030) to arrange for someone to come out and lock the key in your Knox Box.

The Knox Box itself is a high security key vault that is UL listed against physical attack.

In case of an emergency, a Knox Box allows firefighters faster access without costly forced-entry damage.

A Knox Box is part of a high-security key box system, designed to give firefighters and emergency services immediate access to locked buildings, elevators, and other secured areas.

2021 International Fire Code©

506.1 Where 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. The key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037, and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.

506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers when required by the fire code official.

506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key where a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.