What is a Knox Box? The Knox Box is a secure key box/vault that is attached to the outside of your home and/or business; it is used to secure keys, access cards, or passcodes to the property. In the event of an incident, the key can be obtained by the fire department so that they may search and attempt to discover the cause of the problem.
Is there any fee from the town? No, the box is your property; you purchase it from Knox with the assistance of the Fire Department system administrator. The assistance to get the system set up is free.
Which Knox Box should I buy? The most commonly used Knox Box in Townshend is the KNOXBOX 3200 pictured to the right. If you would like more information about the Knox system, click on the Knox icon.
How do I obtain a Knox Box? You can use the contact card on the right side of this page, complete the requested information, and then submit your request. The system administrator will receive an email and contact you. Don't order the Knox Box before contacting the system administrator you need a code from him to send in your order.
Why do I need a Knox Box? One of the most important reasons why a Knox Box could be helpful to you would be life-threatening emergencies where you could be locked in your home and emergency help couldn't get to you. The fire department could be dispatched to the call, enter your home in a non-destructive manner and gain access to you. If you have a fire alarm system and the alarm goes off while you are away, the Townshend Fire Department could enter the property, investigate the cause, and notify you or your keyholder of what was found.
How is the Master Key kept secure? The first Townshend fire engine arriving at the scene carries a master key, locked in a secure Knox System. Townshend Fire Department senior members are issued a key code to allow access to that master key. The system logs when the master key has been released; it includes the date and time, who took the key out and when it is returned. The fire department's system administrator is the only person who can access and recover that data.