What Is a Knox Box?
A Knox Box is a hardened steel case that fits over a resident's door and can only be accessed by on-duty firefighting and medical personnel. The box generally contains key(s) to gain entry to the premises — providing emergency responders with safe, immediate access when every second counts.
This program has proven especially beneficial for chronically ill or disabled persons, whether temporarily or permanently disabled. With use of the Knox Box, fire or medical personnel will not have to use forcible entry techniques to gain access, which can sometimes lead to property damage.
Secure Access
Only on-duty fire and medical personnel carry the master key — your Knox Box is fully secured at all other times.
No Forced Entry
Eliminates the need for forcible entry techniques, protecting your door, locks, and property from damage during emergencies.
Faster Response
Responders gain immediate entry without delay, reducing the time between arrival and treatment in a medical or fire emergency.
For Residents
Residential Knox Boxes
Provided Free of Charge
The McCook Fire Department provides residential Knox Boxes to our residents at no cost for those who may need one for a short duration for medical purposes. If you or a family member are chronically ill, temporarily, or permanently disabled and could benefit from this program, we encourage you to reach out.
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Chronically ill residents who may be unable to reach the door in a timely manner during a medical emergency.
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Temporarily disabled residents recovering from surgery or injury who need short-term assistance with emergency access.
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Permanently disabled residents for whom standard emergency entry could result in delays or property damage.
Check Availability & Ask Questions
Please contact DC Meskill with any questions or to check availability for the residential Knox Box program.
Commercial Knox Boxes
Village Ordinance Requirement: Per Village Ordinance, all businesses shall have a Knox Box affixed on their property so that the Fire Department may gain emergency access. This requirement applies to all licensed commercial properties within the Village of McCook.
The commercial Knox Box requirement alleviates damage to your property by the Fire Department when emergency access is needed. Rather than forcing entry through doors or windows, responders can use the Knox Box key to enter safely and quickly — protecting your investment while enabling the fastest possible emergency response.
Order Online
Order your commercial Knox Box directly from Knox through their website. Browse the full product catalog and select the model that best fits your property.
Order Form
You may also obtain a Knox Box order form directly from the McCook Fire Department. Contact us and we will provide the necessary paperwork to get your business into compliance.
Questions? Contact DC Meskill
For questions about the residential or commercial Knox Box program, availability, or Village ordinance requirements, reach out directly.
[email protected] (708) 447-7561 x625