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The North Liberty Fire Department requested that the City Council approve an Ordinance requiring that a Knox Box entry system be installed on most commercial and multifamily structures in the city. The Knox Box is a box that contains keys to the structure so the Fire Department can access an emergency area quickly, without causing property damage. The key to the Knox Box can only be released by Johnson County Dispatch, who must verify and record each use of the system. This system also saves valuable time that can be wasted while the Fire Department waits for a property owner to arrive and unlock their building.

The Knox Box system is used in Iowa City and has a good record there in helping prevent property damage from firefighters and first responders who would otherwise be forced to break down a door to enter a building.

There have been concerns from the public regarding the security and cost of the system. The Fire Chief responded with the following:

There have been some concerns from the public on the Knox Box system and the security of the system.

Advantages:
  Allows the Fire Department quick access to restricted structures.

  Prevents expensive damage to entry systems at prescribed businesses.

  The Knox Box is considerably cheaper than damage that may occur to a business. Most insurance deductibles do not cover damage under $500.

  Waiting for a business contact to arrive can provide long delays, if they can be contacted at all.

Prevents further water damage to a structure by allowing firefighters to shut off a malfunctioning sprinkler system

Disadvantages:
  Cost of a Knox Box (approximately $179.00)


Buildings that may be considered exempt:
Some R-2, and R-3 constructions, i.e.: Any multi-family dwelling that does not have a corridor for access. Hotels that are manned 24- hours a day. Buildings with 24 hour security guards posted.

The box itself is very secure and very durable. The keys to the Knox Box are kept in an electronic device in the fire trucks and can only be released by the Sheriffs Office dispatch center. The keys must be placed back in the Knox Box at the structure with the supervision of the building representative or a law enforcement officer.

The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages of this system.