KnoxBox Emergency Access
The Monroe Fire Department utilizes the KnoxBox emergency access system to provide firefighters and emergency responders with rapid, reliable, and non-destructive access to commercial, multi-family, and other designated properties during emergencies.
KnoxBoxes are not just for fires. They serve an equally important role during medical emergencies, particularly when a patient or occupant is unable to answer the door or provide access. In these situations, every minute matters. Having immediate access to the appropriate keys allows emergency responders to reach individuals in need more quickly, potentially reducing delays in critical medical care.
Without a KnoxBox, emergency responders may have no alternative but to force entry, resulting in damage to doors, locks, frames, or other building components. A properly installed and maintained KnoxBox can help prevent this unnecessary property damage while allowing responders to focus on what matters most—providing emergency assistance.
Our goal is simple: ensure emergency responders can reach people when they need help, without unnecessary delays or property damage. The KnoxBox system supports both life safety and property protection, benefiting building owners, occupants, and the community we serve.
City of Monroe KnoxBox Requirements
The City of Monroe requires rapid-entry key lock boxes for certain properties under City of Monroe Municipal Code Chapter 7-4 – Rapid Entry Key Lock Box System.
A rapid-entry key lock box is required for:
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- Buildings with an automatic alarm system or automatic fire-suppression system, except one-, two-, and three-family residential structures.
- Multi-family residential buildings containing four or more living units, including rental properties and condominiums.
- Buildings or structures with floors 50 feet or more above ground level.
- Commercial or industrial buildings identified by fire officials as difficult to access during an emergency.
Other property owners may voluntarily install a rapid-entry key lock box.
The ordinance requires the box to be installed in a highly visible location approved by the Fire Chief or designee at or near the main entrance to the building.
New Construction
For new construction subject to Chapter 7-4, the required rapid-entry key lock box must be installed before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.
Monroe Fire Department Approved KnoxBox
KnoxBox 4400
The KnoxBox 4400 is the Monroe Fire Department’s standard and approved KnoxBox for all new installations.
We recognize that the 4400 is more expensive than some of the smaller KnoxBox options. The department standardized on this model based on our experience with the changing emergency-access needs of commercial and multi-family properties.
Modern properties increasingly use a combination of:
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- Traditional keys
- Multiple labeled key sets
- Electronic key fobs
- Access cards
- Interior secured areas
- Utility and mechanical-room keys
- Fire alarm and fire-protection system keys
Although smaller KnoxBoxes may be advertised as accommodating several keys, our experience has shown that their practical capacity is significantly reduced once keys are properly labeled and organized so emergency personnel can quickly identify the correct key.
Key fobs and electronic access cards require additional space.
We also cannot predict what an occupancy will look like several years from now. Businesses and tenants change, buildings are remodeled, locks are changed, and electronic access-control systems are added.
Rather than attempting to determine which size box is appropriate for each property based only on its current use, the Monroe Fire Department has established the KnoxBox 4400 as its standard for new installations.
This provides consistency and adequate capacity for the majority of the commercial and multi-family properties we serve.
Apartment & Multi-Family Properties
You Do Not Need a KnoxBox for Every Apartment
A separate KnoxBox is not required for every individual apartment or unit.
Multiple keys or sets of keys may be stored within one appropriately located KnoxBox 4400.
Each key or set of keys placed in the box must be clearly and permanently labeled so emergency personnel can quickly identify the appropriate key.
For example:
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- Apartment 101 – Entry
- Apartment 102 – Entry
- Apartment 201 – Entry
- Mechanical Room
- Main Entrance
Property owners and managers should contact the Monroe Fire Department if they have questions regarding how keys should be organized or labeled.
More Than Fire Access
Fire Emergencies
Rapid building access allows firefighters to investigate fire alarms, smoke conditions, sprinkler activations, odors, and other emergencies without unnecessarily forcing entry into a building.
Medical Emergencies
KnoxBox access can be equally important during a medical emergency.
A resident or employee experiencing a medical emergency may be unable to reach the door, unlock it, or communicate with emergency responders.
Having the appropriate keys available can allow firefighters and other emergency personnel to reach that individual more quickly.
Emergency KnoxBox access can help:
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- Reduce delays in reaching a patient.
- Provide access when an occupant cannot open the door.
- Avoid unnecessary forcible entry.
- Reduce damage to doors, locks, and building hardware.
- Provide reliable access during staffed and unstaffed hours.
The KnoxBox program is an emergency-access program, not simply a fire-access program.
What Goes Inside Your KnoxBox?
The contents of the KnoxBox will vary depending on the property.
Under City of Monroe Ordinance Chapter 7-4, required keys must provide access to applicable:
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- Common lobbies and vestibules
- Common hallways
- Mechanical rooms and spaces serving the building
- Fire alarm and entry alarm panels
Depending on the property, additional keys or access devices may also be appropriate, including:
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- Individual apartment or tenant keys
- Interior secured-door keys
- Utility-room keys
- Elevator-related access keys
- Electronic key fobs
- Access cards
All keys and access devices placed in the KnoxBox must be clearly labeled and organized so emergency personnel can quickly identify the appropriate key or device.
If you are unsure what should be placed in your KnoxBox, please contact the Monroe Fire Department. We are happy to review the property and help determine the appropriate emergency-access needs.
How to Order Your KnoxBox
KnoxBoxes must be ordered through the Knox Company and keyed specifically for the Monroe City Fire Department.
Ordering Instructions
- Visit the KnoxBox website.
- Select “START HERE.”
- Select “Search For Your Department.”
- Enter Wisconsin for the location.
- Search for Monroe.
- Select “Monroe City Fire Dept.”
- Select the KnoxBox 4400.
- Choose your preferred color.
- Choose the appropriate mounting style.
- For Tamper Alert Type, select “NONE.”
- Add the KnoxBox to your cart and complete the ordering process.
The Monroe Fire Department will receive notification of the order and provide the required authorization through Knox.
Choosing a Mounting Style
Surface Mount
A surface-mounted KnoxBox is attached directly to the exterior surface of the building.
This is the most common option for existing buildings.
Recessed Mount
A recessed KnoxBox is installed partially within the wall.
This may be a good option during new construction or a significant renovation.
If you are unsure which option is appropriate, please contact the Monroe Fire Department before ordering or installing the box.
Before You Install Your KnoxBox
Please Confirm the Location Before Installation
The location of the KnoxBox must be approved by the Monroe Fire Department before installation.
City Ordinance Chapter 7-4 requires the box to be installed in a highly visible location approved by the Fire Chief or designee at or near the main entrance.
The box should be:
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- Readily visible to responding firefighters.
- At or near the primary emergency access point.
- Easily accessible to emergency personnel.
- Have a mounting height of 50in-60in to the top of the box.
- Accessible without special equipment.
- Free from landscaping, signs, snow accumulation, or other obstructions.
- Located where responding personnel can quickly identify and access it.
Please contact the Monroe Fire Department before drilling, cutting, or permanently mounting the box.
Confirming the location in advance can prevent the need to relocate the box after installation.
Already Have a KnoxBox 3200?
Previously approved and installed KnoxBox 3200 boxes do not need to be replaced solely because the Monroe Fire Department has adopted the KnoxBox 4400 as its current standard.
However, the KnoxBox 4400 is the department’s standard and approved box for new installations.
If an existing KnoxBox is being replaced, relocated, or is no longer large enough for the keys and access devices necessary for the property, please contact the Monroe Fire Department for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Can I purchase a KnoxBox 3200 for a new installation?
No. The KnoxBox 4400 is the Monroe Fire Department’s standard and approved box for new installations.
Existing 3200 boxes that were previously approved may remain in service as long as they continue to meet the emergency-access needs of the property.
I only have a few keys. Why do I need the larger 4400?
The department’s standard is based on our experience across many different types of commercial and multi-family properties, not solely on the number of keys a building has today.
Once keys are properly labeled and organized, they require additional space. Modern buildings also increasingly use key fobs and access cards.
More importantly, we cannot predict how a property will be used in the future. Tenants, occupancies, locks, and access-control systems can all change during the life of the KnoxBox.
Using one standard provides consistency and adequate capacity for both current and future emergency-access needs.
Do I need a KnoxBox for every apartment?
No.
Multiple appropriately labeled keys or key sets may be placed in a single KnoxBox 4400.
A separate KnoxBox is not required for every individual apartment.
Is the KnoxBox only used during fires?
No.
KnoxBox access may be used during fire, medical, and other emergency situations when emergency personnel need access to the property.
Medical emergencies are an important part of the program. When someone is unable to answer or unlock a door, emergency access can help responders reach the patient without unnecessary delay or property damage.
What if I already have an approved KnoxBox 3200?
Existing 3200 boxes that were previously approved may remain in service provided they continue to meet the property’s emergency-access needs.
The KnoxBox 4400 standard applies to new installations.
Where should I install the KnoxBox?
Please contact the Monroe Fire Department before installation.
The location must be approved by the Fire Chief or designee and should generally be at or near the main emergency entrance in a highly visible and readily accessible location with a mounting height of 50in-60in measured from the top of the KnoxBox.
What keys do I need to provide?
City Ordinance Chapter 7-4 establishes the required access for properties subject to the ordinance.
The specific keys and access devices needed will depend on the building.
If you are unsure, please contact the Monroe Fire Department and we will help determine the appropriate access for your property.
What if I already have an approved KnoxBox 3200?
Existing 3200 boxes that were previously approved may remain in service provided they continue to meet the property’s emergency-access needs.
The KnoxBox 4400 standard applies to new installations.
Where should I install the KnoxBox?
Please contact the Monroe Fire Department before installation.
The location must be approved by the Fire Chief or designee and should generally be at or near the main emergency entrance in a highly visible and readily accessible location with a mounting height of 50in-60in measured from the top of the KnoxBox.
What keys do I need to provide?
City Ordinance Chapter 7-4 establishes the required access for properties subject to the ordinance.
The specific keys and access devices needed will depend on the building.
If you are unsure, please contact the Monroe Fire Department and we will help determine the appropriate access for your property.
Additional Resources
City of Monroe Municipal Code
Chapter 7-4 – Rapid Entry Key Lock Box System
KnoxBox Ordering
Questions? We’re Happy to Help.
We recognize that purchasing and installing a KnoxBox is an investment in your property, and we appreciate the cooperation of our property owners and managers.
The Monroe Fire Department is grateful for the continued support and commitment of property owners who invest in maintaining and updating their properties to meet current fire and life-safety requirements. These efforts help protect occupants, emergency responders, and the community as a whole.
If you have questions about whether a KnoxBox is required, ordering the correct box, installation location, or which keys and access devices should be provided, please contact us before purchasing or installing your box.
Monroe Fire Department
601 W. 17th Street
Monroe, WI 53566
Phone: 608-329-2575
