Fireproof lockbox article from Winnipeg area

[Warder]

FYI


http://www.beausejourreview.com/Article ... ?e=2518489

The locks on these boxes are new pick-proof technology by Medico and feature a key which can't be duplicated. Originals of the key are to be kept only by the fire department, and by Medico's head office

So this program has an 'incredibly tough box containing the key to the building's door, and only the fire department has the key to this lockbox.' Just in case of fire.

Hmmm

[bouncer965]

its been deleted!!!!!

[Warder]

Check the link now

[bouncer965]

Yep got it now cheers bud.

[happykill]

So, firemen stand around waiting for keys while a building is burning to the ground in front of them now? People are worried about replacing a door? Really? Around here if the fire department cant find an opening, they make one. I've never once seen them ask if anyone had a key on hand.

[chris]

yeah anyone that would rather wait so their door doesn't get damaged, (meanwhile a fire is raging and burning everything up inside) is asking for whatever they get.

[Steve]

isnt this about a lockbox like a fireproof safe? not a door or am i reading something wrong

[barbarian]

I saw something like this before. It was a very sturdy solid steel box built into the brickwork of the building. Think of a night deposit box at a bank. The one I saw was in plain view of a security camera.. When the firemen use their key to open it, the alarm goes off. But it probably was already. Then they have a key to the door.

The guy I asked about it said they were getting false fire alarms and it was costly when the fire dept. had to break down the door each time.

If the building is clearly on fire, then they just break it down like normal..

[loki]

In my area, the local government has a lock box program. Participation is mandatory.

Interesting though is that only one box , made by a certain mfg, is approved by officials. And that manufacturer provides assistance to local officials
in drafting legislation mandating the boxes' use.

In light of all that has been said, Who, is gaining what, under this program ?

[lockinabox]

The boxes are not fireproof and are constructed out of steel (1/4" body 1/2" door). The building master keys are stored in the box. The key for the box is stored on each firetruck using a key retaining box. Different models have different methods to allow the lock to turn and release the key. It can be a RF code sent from dispatch, a numeric code, rfid tag, or a combination of them. Every city has their own procedures and methods but I know the bigger cites have a different key for each area/district.

From a security standpoint, if properly installed and connected to an alarm, there are really no huge security concerns. Most of them are fully recessed into the building wall and in plain view of the street and a camera. If the door is opened by any method then an alarm would go off and the building would know their master keys have been lost. The fire department would also know their key has been compromised. I'm sure that some cities and fire departments have terrible procedures and key control, but if the box is connected to an alarm it would still be fairly secure.