There are emergency situations when first responders need to get into homes fast. This may be due to a small fire or a medical emergency when no one can open the door. While the department does have tools to force entry, residents can take steps to speed up entry and reduce damage to a home.
Residential Knox HomeBox: This is a secure box mounted near the door that stores 1 key to the home or a card with a code written on it (or both). The resident purchases the box directly from Knox. It is opened by a master key that is securely kept with the Grand Chute Fire Department. For more information or to order a Knox HomeBox go to https://www.knoxbox.com/products. Make sure to use "Wisconsin" as the Location and "Grand Chute Fire Dept" as the Local Fire Department. Once the box is installed or received, contact the Grand Chute Fire Department to place the key / card inside. (A larger residential Knox Box with more color options that holds up to 2 keys is also available, but currently difficult to find on the website, so please contact the department if this option is desired.)
Access Codes on File with 911 Center: Residences that have keypad entries into a home or garage can provide that code to the Outagamie County Communications Center (i.e. 911 Dispatch). A note will be placed on the address record, which can be viewed by first responders during an emergency. This code would also be available to the Grand Chute Police Department. To select this method, please call the Communications Center non-emergency number at 920-832-5000 and request to have a keypad code added to your address.
If the locks are changed to the residence or an access code is updated it is important to keep this updated with the department as well. Access code changes should be reported to the Outagamie County Communications Center. Updated keys for the Knox Box can be provided to the Grand Chute Fire Department. |
