Knox boxes provide emergency access

MARENGO — Emergency agencies in Marengo are looking for quick access to buildings in emergency situations. Knox boxes provide a way to get inside when time is critical.

The Marengo Police Department, the Marengo Fire Association and Iowa County Iowa Emergency Management are encouraging homeowners and business owners in Marengo and throughout Iowa County to purchase Knox boxes so first responders have access when an emergency arises.

Knox boxes can provide single-key entry for multiple agencies and jurisdictions, such as one key for all the schools in a county, and access to locked external and internal doors and gates, said Marengo Police Chief Ben Gray in a press release.

They eliminate the wait for breaching equipment when time is critical. Emergency personnel won’t have to wait for a keyholder to arrive.

The boxes eliminate damage to property because emergency personnel won’t have to break in. They provide secure storage of master keys, access cards and floor plans, Gray said.

North English has been using the rapid entry system for about 15 years, said Mayor Dan Strohman in June.

A master key fits all the Knox boxes in North English, and that key is kept secure, Strohman said. Whoever takes the 911 call will have access to the key.

North English started the program because it had a fire at an unoccupied building and had to break in, said Strohman.

“As a first responder, they’re a godsend,” Strohman said.

Property owners who wish to purchase Knox boxes should visit knoxbox.com/ and select Marengo Police Department as the local agency, Gray said.

The cost of a Knox box can be less than $400, according to the website, but depends on the model.