Enhancing Safety for Residents: The Community Knox Box Program
We are collaborating with High Ridge Fire Protection District to introduce a program designed to improve safety for all qualifying residents. As 911 emergency responders, we frequently encounter situations where residents live alone or caregivers who may also face medical challenges are unable to unlock the door during emergencies. These delays can hinder life-saving treatment, slow us down in emergencies, or require more drastic measures to get into the home.
To address this, we’re implementing a program offering Residential Knox Boxes for eligible residents. Once approved and installed, responders will be able to access the residence without forced entry in emergency situations. The address will be flagged in the 911 center to alert responders that the property is equipped with an assigned Knox Box. This program will elevate North Jefferson County and High Ridge Fire Protection District safety measures by providing medical emergency home access for our first responders.
What is a Community Knox Box
The Knox Box is a weather-resistant door or wall-mounted storage device that houses a spare key for your home. This box is only accessible to you and authorized users like emergency responders. You can use this as a secure method for storing your house key and first responders can use it in emergency situations to gain access to the home. This saves fire fighters and paramedics time that could be spent assisting you instead of finding alternative means of getting into your home.
How Community Knox Boxes Work
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All ambulances carry a secure safe that is accessible only to authorized personnel.
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Every time an employee accesses the box, the date, time, and employee information is logged.
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Annually, the residents with a box installed will receive a site visit to ensure all is still operative and still required.
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Contact information shall be obtained and updated annually.
This program ensures timely access for emergency responders while safeguarding residents’ well-being.
Residential Knox Box Program Qualifications
To be eligible for this program:
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Residents must live within the North Jefferson County Ambulance District and the High Ridge Fire Protection District.
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The residence must include at least one individual with mobility or medical issues that limit their ability to grant emergency responders access during emergencies.
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If multiple individuals reside in the home, all residents must have mobility or medical limitations that restrict access for emergency responders
