When access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life saving or fire-fighting purposes, the Fire Chief or his designated agent may require a key box to be installed in an accessible location approved by the Fire Chief or his designated agent. The key box shall be a type approved by the Fire Chief or his designated agent and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the Fire Chief or his designated agent, as follows:
(a) The key box shall contain only those keys necessary to gain entrance to exterior doors, utility rooms, elevator or alarm systems or control panels.
(b) Where available, the key box shall be the type that can be connected to an approved enunciator system.
(c) Security. For security reasons, the master keys shall be locked in a radio controlled key lock (decoder) carried on department vehicles. A log of key use shall be maintained by the Radio Dispatch Center. The log shall include: time key was removed, address where key is used, person requesting access to key, vehicle from which key is removed and time key is returned. Knox Key Lock Boxes may also be monitored by the owner or occupants own security system.
(d) Reporting. The Fire Chief or his designee shall make a complete report of circumstances surrounding the use of the Knox Key Lock Box on the official fire report (NFIRS-1) in the remarks section.
(Ord. 51-2002. Passed 10-15-02.)