Farmington Hills Fire Department Recommends 'Knox Box'

Do you live alone or care for someone who does? If so, the recommends that you purchase a Knox-Box Rapid Entry System. 

“The Knox-Box is a small safe that holds entry keys and medical information that firefighters can retrieve quickly and easily in an emergency,” Lieutenant Denny Hughes said.

The Knox-Box securely hooks over the top of an exterior door and is not removable once the door is shut. 

“It gives firefighters or paramedics fast access to a home when the owner isn’t there or is unable to answer the door due to illness or disability. Installing a Knox-Box also decreases dependence on neighbors or family members who may have misplaced the house key or may be unavailable when emergency help arrives,” Hughes added.

Fire Department personnel are able to access all Knox-Boxes with a single master key controlled solely by the Farmington Hills Fire Department.

The Knox-Box, which costs about $210, reduces both response time and property damage. There is no waiting for a property owner to unlock the door in the middle of the night and no need to force the door open or break windows to gain entry. In the event of a dwelling fire emergency, however, the Knox-Box would not be used and firefighters would force doors or windows to gain rapid entry.

To order a Knox-Box, stop by Fire Headquarters located south of the corner of Eleven Mile and Orchard Lake Roads and fill out an application, which will then be reviewed by the Fire Department. When the Knox-Box is delivered to your home, call the Fire Department to have a firefighter secure your keys. For more information, call 248-871-2820.