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The Health and Safety Committee has identified a commercial product endorsed by the
Town of Fairview that residents may consider to be of value.
When responding to a call at a residence firefighters and EMT's are obligated to gain entry
into the home and it is not uncommon for the dwelling to be locked with no visible
evidence of an emergency. The residents may be away or in the house but incapacitated.
With a legal obligation to enter the home the firefighter must use the most practical method
and that is to simply break in through a door or window. This may take some time when
seconds count and it will certainly leave the homeowner with a significant repair cost. In
the event of a false alarm or an incorrect address a potentially dangerous event could
occur with the responder confronting a surprised occupant.
A Fairview Town ordinance requires commercial establishments and property gates to be
equipped with a device called a Knox Box. This is simply a mini safe containing a key to
the building that is attached to the building or hung from the door. Fairview emergency
vehicles are equipped with a similar mini safe containing a master key providing access to
the individual property boxes. Use of the master key is controlled by the Town through
procedural and mechanical means and improper use is highly unlikely.
Although relatively expensive, approximately $160.00, availability of a Knox Box will permit
rapid emergency entry into the home without property damage. Its value can be significant
when responding to an incapacitated person in terms of response to a life-threatening
situation. With many of our residents away from the Ranch for extended periods allowing
public safety personnel secure entry without property damage when called to respond to a
possible problem with the house and the ability to relock when leaving may also be
considered a valuable attribute.
To obtain a Knox Box it is necessary to submit an application to the Town of Fairview. The
Town will then provide a letter for submittal to the Knox Company. Purchase is direct with
the company and to ensure the necessary level of security they will only sell to an
individual authorized to purchase the device by the Town.
More information can be obtained from the Company web site - www.knoxbox.com - or by
contacting the Town of Fairview.
Other useful services are likely to be available and the Committee will continue its efforts to
alert residents to items it finds potentially useful.
Town of Fairview that residents may consider to be of value.
When responding to a call at a residence firefighters and EMT's are obligated to gain entry
into the home and it is not uncommon for the dwelling to be locked with no visible
evidence of an emergency. The residents may be away or in the house but incapacitated.
With a legal obligation to enter the home the firefighter must use the most practical method
and that is to simply break in through a door or window. This may take some time when
seconds count and it will certainly leave the homeowner with a significant repair cost. In
the event of a false alarm or an incorrect address a potentially dangerous event could
occur with the responder confronting a surprised occupant.
A Fairview Town ordinance requires commercial establishments and property gates to be
equipped with a device called a Knox Box. This is simply a mini safe containing a key to
the building that is attached to the building or hung from the door. Fairview emergency
vehicles are equipped with a similar mini safe containing a master key providing access to
the individual property boxes. Use of the master key is controlled by the Town through
procedural and mechanical means and improper use is highly unlikely.
Although relatively expensive, approximately $160.00, availability of a Knox Box will permit
rapid emergency entry into the home without property damage. Its value can be significant
when responding to an incapacitated person in terms of response to a life-threatening
situation. With many of our residents away from the Ranch for extended periods allowing
public safety personnel secure entry without property damage when called to respond to a
possible problem with the house and the ability to relock when leaving may also be
considered a valuable attribute.
To obtain a Knox Box it is necessary to submit an application to the Town of Fairview. The
Town will then provide a letter for submittal to the Knox Company. Purchase is direct with
the company and to ensure the necessary level of security they will only sell to an
individual authorized to purchase the device by the Town.
More information can be obtained from the Company web site - www.knoxbox.com - or by
contacting the Town of Fairview.
Other useful services are likely to be available and the Committee will continue its efforts to
alert residents to items it finds potentially useful.
Knox Box