Knox-Box® Rapid Entry System

Seconds count in a life-threatening medical emergency or a fire. Yet many times, Firefighters responding to an emergency find access blocked by locked entrance doors or gates. To help reduce delays in providing emergency assistance, the Leander Fire Department and the City of Leander have adopted an ordinance requiring the use of the KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System.

The KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System provides non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property. More than 7,000 fire departments and government agencies use Knox key boxes for safe and secure rapid entry.

KNOX-BOX® Installation Requirements

Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or due to physical barriers (such as gates, fences, bollards, and the like) and in all commercial, industrial, or institutional structures in which fire protection systems, or elevators are installed an approved key box shall provide a Fire Department providing the proper keys to gain access to a structure, property, or elevator. The key box shall be visible from the access road fronting property, located within 10 feet from the primary Fire Department access into a building or project as approved by the Fire Department. It shall be installed at not less than 4 feet and no more than 6 feet above the finished grade.

Exception: The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following buildings and structures:

Building is less than 1,000 square feet and where immediate access is not necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes.

For more information and details, please refer to the KNOX-BOX® Information Letter.

KNOX® Online Ordering

Knox® products can now be ordered online. Conventional paper forms will continue to be available for businesses that do not wish, or are unable to order online. However, a Fire Department signature is no longer required. To order online, go to www.knoxbox.com(link is external) and perform the following steps:

Step 1

Go to the left side of the page to the product menu and menu titled "To place an order, select from the following menu" and select the product you wish to purchase. The most commonly ordered box is the Knox® Box 3200 series(link is external), which holds up to ten keys. However all larger facilities (e.g., schools, apartments, hospitals, etc.) are required to install either the 4100 (24 Keys)(link is external) or a 4400 (50 Keys)(link is external) Series. Facilities with Elevators are required to install the Knox® Elevator/Lobby Box(link is external) housing 2 elevator keys and up to 30 override keys.

Step 2

On the next screen, enter "LEANDER" in the "Department Name or City" box and press "Search Departments".

Step 3

Click the circle next to "Leander Fire Department - PO BOX 319- Leander, TX 78646-0319"

Step 4

When the next page appears, Verify "LEANDER Fire Department" is the department listed on top; click the "Proceed with Pre-Authorization Order" button at the bottom of the page.

Step 5

Click on the options that you desire. The most commonly ordered options are:

Color: Your Choice
Door Type: Hinged Door
Mounting: (see note)Surface or Recessed Mount
Tamper Switch: No Tamper Switch Required

Note: For new masonry buildings under construction, we recommend a Recessed Mount for increased security.

Step 6

Select the appropriate product and click "ADD TO CART"

Step 7

Next page requires you enter your business name and address. When complete click "Save Address"

Step 8

If you have not yet setup an online account with Knox®, you will be asked to do so at this time. Once the submission is complete, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your request. (If you do not receive this email within 5 minutes of submission, contact Knox® Customer Service 800-552-5669)

Step 9

Once Leander Fire Department has approved your submission, you will receive another email with an approved shopping cart link. Click the link (or cut and paste in our search engine) and follow the online instructions to complete your purchase.

Your order is not final until you complete this last step.

You may contact the Knox Company at 800-552-5669 with any questions.

Residential KNOX-BOX® Program

We also offer a Residential KNOX BOX® program allowing emergency responders an ability to respond quickly, without forcing entry. They simply remove your entrance key stored inside, provide medical assistance and re-lock your door when they leave. The Residential KNOX BOX® is constructed as a high security key safe designed for single family homes that only local emergency responders can access.

Please see the information pamphlet below or contact the Fire Marshal's Office with any questions.