The Knox Box Entry System Program is an effort by Allegany County Emergency Services to provide property owners within Allegany County a system fo secure, rapid, nondestructive emergency access to commercial and residential properties.

What is a Knox Box?
A Knox Box is a secure key vault that is installed on the exterior of a building near the main entrance. This box contains building keys to provide access to the fire department in emergency situations. Only the fire department maintains a master key that is secured in the apparatus that can only be released by a radio signal from the 911 center.

Is the Knox Box required?
Yes, the Knox Box is required to be installed in all commercial buildings where access is restricted by the National Fire Protection Association, Uniform Fire Code. This code is adopted into Maryland State law and is enforced by the Maryland State Fire Marshall's Office.

Where can I buy a Knox Box?
Knox Box devices may only be purchased through the Knox Box Company. Contact may be made at www.knoxbox.com or by phone at 1-800-552-5669. When ordering the box it must be keyed to the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services.

Where do I install the Knox Box at?
Knox Boxes shall be mounted as near as possible to the primary entry door and shall not be visually obstructed. This normally will be the main entrance door to the business. The box shall not be located further than six (6) feet laterally from the door. The Knox Box shall be installed no higher than five (5) feet or lover than two (2) feet above the ground or walk area. A "Fire Department" alert decal shall be mounted on each building entry door in the upper right-hand corner.

The Knox Box for a gate shall me located on the gate or on a fence within six (6) feet of the gate. A "Fire Department" alert decal shall be attched to a piece of 5" square white plastic and mounted on the gate near the lock.

How do I secure my keys inside the box?
Keys to exterior doors, interior doors, electrical and mechanical rooms, and elevator keys shall be kept on one (1) ring for storage inside the Knox Box. After the Access Box is installed, the owner must contact the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services at 301-777-5908 to schedule an appointment to secure the keys and lock the box or padlock.

Where can I obtain further information?
Further information about the Knox Box program can be obtained by contacting the Maryland State Fire Marshall's Office at 301-729-5021 or the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services at 301-777-5908.