The Newberry Fire Department (NFD) is implementing Knox Box Rapid Entry Systems (KBRES) into its response plan with the goal of quicker and safer entries into locked buildings.
KBRES is a nationally recognized, fire industry standard program that enables first responders to access buildings using entry keys or devices stored in tamper-resistant boxes on the property. Around 14,000 fire departments and government agencies use KBRES in the U.S.
Only the affiliated fire departments, such as NFD, have access to the master keys to open the boxes and enter buildings without unnecessarily damaging doors or windows after hours or when the key holders are unavailable.
“We encourage all business owners, gated property managers, and residents—especially those with recurring medical needs—to install a Knox Box,” said Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman in a press release. “Whether it’s a fire alarm, medical emergency, or welfare check, this system allows us to enter without delay or damage.”
Lyman told Mainstreet that Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) already uses KBRES. ACFR is the administrator of the program with Newberry under its license, making all the keys used by each department uniform across the county.
Lyman said there have been numerous occasions where NFD responders needed to get into locked places that prompted them to request an office system. They also anticipate the demand to increase as the city of Newberry continues to grow.
Because the program hasn’t been promoted much in Newberry yet, Lyman said only places like the schools and Publix had KBRES. But he said commercial boxes are going to be a requirement
“There’s a tremendous amount of commercial development coming to Newberry, so all of these reviews that we’re doing now, it’s a requirement they have to have one installed on the facility,” Lyman said.
KBRES comes with built-in safety features Lyman said can ensure citizens they can trust the fire departments with their keys.
Each responder with access to KBRES must input their private key encoded information into an online program that generates a unique ID for them. Every time a KBRES system is used, a traceable report is generated.
“If you remove one of the access keys, it starts tracking right away who took it out, when and for how long,” Lyman said. “You can do an audit trail as an administrator from any computer because it’s all cloud based and find out what the status of that key is.”
KBRES offers commercial boxes for buildings such as retail stores and offices, residential boxes and gate access systems for gated communities, private driveways and commercial properties with restricted access.
The program’s website currently lists residential boxes for Alachua County at $227 with commercial boxes ranging from $499 to $874.
Lyman said NFD is looking to purchase a few residential boxes it can loan to people experiencing short-term medical conditions where they may need to be checked on more frequently.
He said the price to pay for a box is usually better than covering damage done to a building during a fire department visit, especially when the alarm is false.
“It’s definitely in their best interest compared to the cost of what damage we might do to ensure that there’s not a fire burning in a back closet somewhere, versus the box itself,” Lyman said. “There’s significant savings for that property manager.”
Business owners and residents can order the correct KBRES model on the program’s website and select “Alachua County” to ensure proper registration and coordination with the NFD.
Anyone needing help choosing the right model, installation guidelines, or setting up gate access coordination can contact NFD directly at 352-472-2150 or email Lyman at jlyman@newberryfl.gov.