More than 5,000 North American Police and Fire Departments rely on a security key lock box system to enter properties quickly and safely during an emergency response.  The property owner purchases a Lock Box device and mounts it near the main building entrance.  Lock boxes should never contain keys other than for the main lobby entrance, common areas, roof access, stairwells, firefighters' elevator or other 'public' areas in the building.

There are many benefits to this voluntary program, and in many cases it pays for itself the first time the system is used.  The primary reason to use these devices is to provide the Fire Department with rapid, secure access to the property.  A secondary benefit is that the Fire Department does not damage your property when forcing doors or windows in an emergency.

What does the system do for you?

• It provides immediate emergency entry in case of fire, medical or other type of emergency.
• It prevents costly forced-entry damage to doors or windows.
• Undamaged doors can be re-secured after the emergency without requiring the presence of a building manager or private security personnel.
• It allows faster Fire Department entry which reduces the potential damages because of a fire.
• It allows first responders to enter a building if an occupant is unable to open the door.
• It reduces firefighter injuries.
• It increases fire department efficiency.
• It ensures the ultimate security of your building's access.

On-Scene Procedures

When responding to a fire or medical emergency and confronted with a locked entry door, department personnel will visually check the area near the main entry door to determine if the building has been fitted with a lock box. Placing keys in these special, tamper-resistant boxes near the main entry door (in a visible location) minimizes delays in gaining access to the building and eliminates damage that may be caused by a forcible entry, if required. The fire personnel will gain access to the keys from the box. After using the keys for the intended purpose, the Captain or the Chief in charge will ensure the keys are replaced and secure. The Fire Rescue Department stores the keys to access the lock boxes in a pass-code protected, secure locking device accessible only to authorized fire services personnel.

NOTE: When in place, key lock boxes WILL NOT be used to gain non-emergency access to a building unless the building owner, manager or agent is present.

To request a lock box, or for more information, go to the Contact Us page and select "Request a Lock Box" from the dropdown box.