The North Shore Fire Department’s Residential Knox Box Program

In the event of a fire or medical emergency in which a resident is unable to open their door to allow emergency personnel entry, the Knox box is accessed allowing emergency personnel quick access to the patient in order to render needed care.  

If a Knox box were not present in this type of situation, it may be necessary for emergency personnel to force the door or window in order to gain access to the patient.  Forced entry is performed according to the urgency of the situation and in the most cost effective manner possible. Repairs can be costly to the resident and can result in the need for replacement of the door/window in some cases.

We are finding residents who are experiencing frequent falls, are disabled, are part of a pendant or emergency alert program, or simply want reassurance for themselves and concerned family members are utilizing our Residential Knox Box Program.

Once a resident purchases a Knox box, it may be continually used while they reside anywhere within the North Shore communities of Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay.

The Knox box is similar to the boxes utilized by realtors, but even more secure.

Please contact Jill K. Glanz, Public Education Specialist by e-mail jglanz@nsfire.org or at 414-228-0292, should you have any questions or wish to purchase a Knox box.