The Williston Fire Department utilizes a key safe box system (also known as a Knox Box or “lock box”) to provide rapid entry to a property during an emergency. The Knox® system is a secure program specifically developed for fire departments nationwide. With one master key available only to the fire department, we can gain access to any structure, outbuilding, residence, gate, etc. that has one of our key safe boxes installed. There are several benefits to having a Knox Box, including:
Per the 2013 Town Plan Review Standards Policy: Key safe lock boxes are required for all commercial and industrial buildings, or occupancies, per NFPA 1. Commercial or multi-family residential buildings with one main entry should consider an exterior key safe box & interior key cabinet combination (see below for more information). Larger buildings such as commercial warehouses, large frame box stores, and multi-use occupancies with multiple entries may require multiple lock boxes. Commercial buildings with loading docks will be required to have multiple lock boxes.
Property owners can store master entrance keys, access cards, contact information, and floor plans in an exterior secure tamper-proof key safe box. Keys to maintenance, storage, attic access, and other areas that are normally locked should also be provided. Residences who have PIN pad access through a door, garage or gate should include the PIN in the box.
[For information on reflective Gas and Sprinkler (G/S) building signs, scroll to the bottom of this page.]
HOW DOES THE KEY SAFE BOX PROGRAM WORK?
HOW DO I PURCHASE A KEY SAFE BOX?
WHAT KIND OF KEY SAFE BOX SHOULD I GET?
We have a number of commercial and residential styles of exterior key safe boxes available on the Knox Website. The style, specifications and use for each type of box are listed on the site.
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GAS AND SPRINKLER SIGN INFORMATION
A green reflective "G" sign indicates that natural gas is supplied to the building. A red reflective "S" sign indicates that a building is protected by a fire suppression system, commonly referred to as a sprinkler system. Placed strategically on the exterior of the building where each utility/service inlet is located, the signs convey critical information needed for the fire department to proceed safely and efficiently on-site, especially during an emergency event.
HOW DO I PURCHASE A SIGN?
You can make your purchase in-person at the fire department Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We accept cash, check and credit cards*.
If there are two inlets, then a second "G" and/or "S" sign will be required in addition to a "1 of 2" and "2 of 2" sign.
All signs cost $20.00 each^.
Generally, appointments or advanced orders are not required, however we highly recommend calling ahead of your arrival to ensure we have the signs you need on-hand.
* A processing fee of $3.00 will be incurred for all credit card purchases.
^ A recent increase in price due to a steep rise in the cost of production.
- • Reduce response time, which is critical during a fire or medical emergency.
- • Eliminate wait time for a property owner to provide access at any given hour.
- • Avoid property damage resulting from the need to force windows or doors open to gain entry.
- • Provide security for sick, disabled, or injured individuals who may not be able to answer the door.
- • Reduce liability resulting from lost or unsecured keys.
Per the 2013 Town Plan Review Standards Policy: Key safe lock boxes are required for all commercial and industrial buildings, or occupancies, per NFPA 1. Commercial or multi-family residential buildings with one main entry should consider an exterior key safe box & interior key cabinet combination (see below for more information). Larger buildings such as commercial warehouses, large frame box stores, and multi-use occupancies with multiple entries may require multiple lock boxes. Commercial buildings with loading docks will be required to have multiple lock boxes.
Property owners can store master entrance keys, access cards, contact information, and floor plans in an exterior secure tamper-proof key safe box. Keys to maintenance, storage, attic access, and other areas that are normally locked should also be provided. Residences who have PIN pad access through a door, garage or gate should include the PIN in the box.
[For information on reflective Gas and Sprinkler (G/S) building signs, scroll to the bottom of this page.]
HOW DOES THE KEY SAFE BOX PROGRAM WORK?
- Properties which are required to have a key safe box may purchase them directly from the Knox® Company at this site: Knox Box.
- Effective March 1, 2023, the Williston Fire Department no longer offers the Kidde Supra Safe boxes for purchase. All new boxes must be purchased through the Knox® Company.
- Key boxes located within our Town are uniquely keyed to our master key, and to which the Williston Fire Department has exclusive access.
- Once a box is purchased, the owner will contact the Fire Station (802) 878-5622 to discuss the preferred placement of the box on the property. The property owner is responsible for the installation.
- Once the box is installed, the owner contacts the station to schedule a time to meet us on location. We will meet the owner who will supply the building’s master door key, contact card, etc.
- We then take the master key and other contents, place them in the box, and lock the box.
- In an emergency, we open and use the contents of the box to gain access to the building, contact the owner, etc.
- Owners must update us anytime there is a change to the property that would impact the box contents such as a lock change or security system upgrade. We recommend owners schedule us to check their lock box at least semi-annually (i.e., at daylight saving time) to ensure keys, contact cards, etc. are current.
HOW DO I PURCHASE A KEY SAFE BOX?
- To order your Knox Box visit https://knoxbox.com/44838.
- After the order has been submitted, the fire department will receive an email for approval. Once approved, the person ordering will receive an email for payment. The Knox Box will be shipped directly to the person placing the order.
- After receipt, the Knox Box shall be installed on the property in accordance with the Town Fire Safety Plan Review Standards and under the direction of the fire department. While each box is to be installed on a case-by-case basis, generally they are located:
- At the main entry door
- Between 4 and 5 feet off the ground.
- Larger buildings may be required to have multiple boxes.
- Boxes shall be readily visible and accessible to emergency responders.
- For gate, padlock, or elevator box guidance, please contact the fire department at (802) 878-5622.
WHAT KIND OF KEY SAFE BOX SHOULD I GET?
We have a number of commercial and residential styles of exterior key safe boxes available on the Knox Website. The style, specifications and use for each type of box are listed on the site.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GAS AND SPRINKLER SIGN INFORMATION
A green reflective "G" sign indicates that natural gas is supplied to the building. A red reflective "S" sign indicates that a building is protected by a fire suppression system, commonly referred to as a sprinkler system. Placed strategically on the exterior of the building where each utility/service inlet is located, the signs convey critical information needed for the fire department to proceed safely and efficiently on-site, especially during an emergency event.
HOW DO I PURCHASE A SIGN?
You can make your purchase in-person at the fire department Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We accept cash, check and credit cards*.
If there are two inlets, then a second "G" and/or "S" sign will be required in addition to a "1 of 2" and "2 of 2" sign.
All signs cost $20.00 each^.
Generally, appointments or advanced orders are not required, however we highly recommend calling ahead of your arrival to ensure we have the signs you need on-hand.
* A processing fee of $3.00 will be incurred for all credit card purchases.
^ A recent increase in price due to a steep rise in the cost of production.