Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you have a DAMA Box or an old version Knox Box, you will need to follow the same instructions for purchasing a new Knox Box. If you already have a Knox Box, use your existing Knox Box customer account. If you currently have a DAMA Box, you will need to create a New Customer Account for Knox Box.

Simply call or email the Fire Marshal to set up a time to access the Knox Box and update the keys.

The following Keys are required if applicable to your building.

1. Master exterior entrance or grand master key;
2. Master interior including mechanical room, boiler room, and electrical room;
3. Fire alarm panel/enunciator and pull stations;
4. Sprinkler riser room
5. Each key shall be placed separately on a single ring stating its use.   

The Hibbing Fire Department will not access a key box to unlock a property for someone whom may have forgotten their keys to their building. Keys will only be accessed for emergencies, key updates, or owner approved training or inspection.

The Fire Department is the only Entity who has access to the Knox Box. The key we have is locked in our own lock box and is checked daily to ensure that the key is secure and present. We do not use the key system to access buildings for anything other than an emergency situation. 

Should a commercial building in Hibbing fail to be equipped with such key box, the forcible entry policy shall be implemented. The Fire department shall give a responding key holder ten (10) minutes to arrive unless exigent circumstance require earlier implementation of forcible entry.

Both Boxes are a "lock box system".  We have both systems in our community.

Knox Boxes are typically black and larger in size.     

DAMA Boxes are red, small and have an FD logo on them.  

They can be recessed or externally mounted.

Contact the Hibbing Fire Marshal if you need more information.

The key boxes will be accesses only under exigent circumstances where access to the building is required for medical, fire, or other such emergency. At no time shall an employee access the keys in a key box unless under exigence without the owners written permission or presence.

There are over 400 commercial buildings and 100 residential buildings that require access for emergencies. There is no way for us to effectively manage and search for multiple codes, keys or other access information when we are responding to an emergency. This would cause chaos, prolonged, and unsafe emergency response.

Depending on your needs and building type (residential vs commercial) Boxes can cost anywhere from $200-$1,000 each. The wide range in price will depend on if you want your Box to tie into your building's security system, size and other custom options.

Remember, these boxes will last upward 50 years. That's only $4 per year for a low end Knox Box. Replacing a new Exterior door is on average $1,000-$3,000, making a Knox Box purchase a much cheaper option than replacing doors that were forcibly entered.