When there’s an emergency at a structure, the job of EMS crews is made considerably easier when they have a means of bypassing locks or other access control points that can otherwise cause catastrophic delays. In Westmoreland, one method of ensuring that EMS has easy access is the Knox Rapid Entry System, or KRES.

KnoxBoxes are a particular favorite, and a number of fire departments around the country require one to comply with fire codes. Installed on the outside of a structure, a KnoxBox holds building keys, access cards, and other credentials needed to get into protected locations. The EMS crews get access quicker and building owners are spared having to replace a door or wall that needed to be smashed in.

As of last month, these KRES boxes are the gold standard in Westmoreland County.

In March, at the Board of Supervisors meeting, a public hearing was held about creating a new chapter in the Westmoreland County ordinances involving key boxes, elevator boxes, and access control systems. The proposed regulations were presented by Richard Stuart Jr, who is serving as the interim director at the zoning office.

Stuart was approached by EMS Chief Blake Byrd several months prior to the meeting, who noted that, shockingly, EMS had no regulations in the County’s policy.

“He (Byrd) has been working on this key box ordinance for some time now,” Stuart noted.

Specifically, the policy establishes standards for installing and using key boxes, elevator boxes, gate controls, and fire department connection (FDC) locking caps within the county. The intent was to help with complying with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.

The policy applies to new building construction as well as structures that require a comprehensive fire protection plan review, modifications to fire apparatus access roads, and retroactive installations when determined necessary by the Westmoreland County Office of Building & Zoning in conjunction with the Westmoreland County Department of Emergency Services.

“When someone submits for a project through the Land Use Office, I transmit something that pertains to Mr. Byrd’s office, which gives him the enforcement to request these Knox boxes for the elevator and access control systems to any new commercial industrial development,” continued the interim director.

These boxes are required for any building that has any of the following: a fire alarm or automatic sprinkler system, an elevator, hazardous materials beyond a certain limit in the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, or if the EMS Chief thinks that there are spots that “present unreasonable delay for fire

Photo: Westmoreland EMS

department access.”

The key boxes are installed at the main entrance, and contain master keys to all secured areas, an electrical panel key, and, if applicable, a fire alarm key and elevator key. The number of sets depends on the size of the structure. A single-story structure with less than 50,000 square feet of area needs only one box while a structure that exceeds 50,000 square feet needs three. A 2to 6-story structure below the 50,000 square feet mark needs two key boxes, one with more than 50,000 square feet needs three, and a structure with 7 stories or more needs five key boxes.

Making ordinance amendments requires a public hearing at both the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. When the amendment came before the Board, the Planning Commission had already taken a look at it the week before, sending it along with unanimous approval. The Board was in similar agreement, adopting the zoning amendment that night.