A new program in the City of Norman aims to make fire response faster, more effective and less damaging to property in the city.

The Knox Box program requires that new commercial construction include a locking, tamper-proof box that holds keys to a building that would only be accessible by Norman Fire Department responders in case of an emergency. Similar programs have already been adopted by other cities, including Moore, Midwest City and Oklahoma City and have proven their value. Emergency responders from Phoenix to Manitoba, Canada, rely on the program, which has become an industry standard.

“There’s so many other departments that utilize this, we should be doing the same thing,” said Greg Berchtold, fire inspector for the Norman Fire Department.

Engines at each of the city’s nine fire stations will have a mounted piece of equipment that holds the key securely. It is only accessible to firefighters through a special code. The electronic key will open a Knox Box at the business, providing firefighters access to keys that will allow them to enter the building without causing damage. 

The requirement is a component of the International Fire Code, released in 2018, and to which most fire departments, including Norman, adhere.

“This is important because it will allow us entry to a building where there may not be any visible sign of a fire,” said Aaron Easter, planning officer for the Norman Fire Department. “Instead of just being able to walk the perimeter outside the building and try to assess the situation or having to call the building owner or store manager and wait for someone with a key to arrive, we can enter the building quickly and evaluate the situation. And we can do it all without causing any damage to the structure.”

A number of protective features and failsafes prevent unauthorized usage. Each key is computerized and can only be used by entering a passcode. A computerized log records each time a fire department key was used and by whom. Should one of the electronic keys be lost or stolen, it will cease working after a designated period of time, rendering the key useless, and keys will be equipped with trackers so they can be easily located.

Although the program is only required in new commercial construction, Berchtold said he would advocate it for existing businesses and homes. “This is coming for new construction, but it’s something that existing commercial businesses and residents of the city should strongly consider,” he said. 

Additionally, the minimal one-time expense of installing the secure boxes can be far cheaper than replacing a door or window, should firefighters need to force their way into the structure to battle a blaze. 

The Knox company also offers a range of products designed for residential settings, making it possible for Norman Fire Department personnel to enter a home in the event of an emergency without having to force entry. If residents desire for responders to have quick access during an emergency, Knox products can be purchased by the resident directly from the website. This saves time when it matters most

“When people go on the Knox website and select Norman Fire department, they will see the products that are available, Easter said. “When they purchase a box, the company will send us a notification so we can contact the homeowner or business owner and go out and program the box so the only time it can be opened is when the Norman Fire Department responds to a call and needs to gain access to the building.”

Easter said the first buildings constructed with the new system should be opening within the next six months and general contractors have already started asking Norman Fire Department about the specifications for box placement.

The Norman Fire Department will maintain records of locations that have the Knox system and can include pertinent information about the address or the resident.

“This is especially helpful for those who have mobility issues and may not be able to answer the door in an emergency situation, such as a fall,” Easter said. “If we know there is a resident who is diabetic or has mobility issues, we can bring the proper resources to bear quickly and potentially save lives.”

More information on the Knox products can be found on the company’s website at www.knoxbox.com/ and selecting Norman Fire Department from the “Choose your local fire department agency” dropdown menu.

• 10 Reasons to Install a Knox Box
• NFD Rapid Access Program

For more information, contact Aaron Easter, Planning Officer, Norman Fire Dept. at aaron.easter@normanok.gov.