Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How Does a Resident Purchase the Correct Box?

After the program creation and implementation by the Municipality, an individual will order from your Direct to Resident Web Page that will be customized for you, here on our website. If your city or department elects to utilize this page, we can provide all of the information residents will need to understand the program, as well as allow the resident, or Department to directly place orders for the correct product utilized by their Municipality. Many system administrators will often link to this product and information page directly from their Fire Prevention webpage.

Since only authorized personnel will have access to purchase keys for these systems, Representatives of your Department, or members of a Community Outreach Office, may coordinate a protocol to affix and secure boxes for residents after purchase.

What Other Item(s) May Be Contained in the Lock Box?

Generally, it is recommended to limit items placed in this box beyond the required entry key for the residence it is affixed. In some instances, a department may utilize the box to store information that could be pertinent as relating to the resident’s emergency care, such as allergies, current medications, recent conditions, etc. Even if someone is present when the first responders arrive on scene, receiving this critical information can be streamlined with a simple instruction sheet, or NFC tag placed in the lockbox.

How Are Lock Boxes Affixed to the Utilizing Parties Residence?

The location and mounting area would depend on the type of box that is preferred by the resident, or the municipality. Most Departments prefer to utilize only one(1) or two(2) mounting solutions to reduce variation in response protocol. There are currently three (3) mounting styles offered in the Roper Lock Box Critical Entry Line.

Top of the Door: These boxes hang from the top of the door. Some departments required these boxes to be mounted to the door to avoid removal. (Recommended)
Door Knob: Hangs from the door knob. Most utilized in scenarios where Top of the Door is infeasible or a lower mounting position of the box is required.
Wall Mounted: Mounted at the top of an inside door jamb. This mounting style offers the most discrete and least intrusive to door function. Unique mounting solution for those residents who do not want to add a lock box directly to their door, and/or do not prefer the aesthetic of Door Mounting boxes.

Who Purchases the Product?

This varies depending on the desire of the Municipality. With special pricing available for departments who purchase in bulk quantity, some cities may purchase and allocate the boxes to those in need. They may then reallocate these assets as needed.

Some cities set up the program with Roper, then advertise the availability of the program to their community. The residents or businesses then order directly from Roper utilizing a Direct to Resident Web Page.

Give us a call to discuss all of your options for purchase and distribution.

What Happens if We Lose a Key?

The potential for loss or misplacement of a key can cause a serious security breach for any organization. While there are offerings in the Roper Critical Entry Line that can be easily recoded in the field – The best solution is always prevention protocol.

For single keyed solutions, we often recommend all entry keys be secured utilizing an additional key safe within the battalion or cruiser it will be utilized. This will mitigate the risk of loss of key, with 90% of key loss occurring from lack of key placement protocol. Some departments may utilize a passive “tag” system using one of several major providers, so that key movement outside of protocol is noted.

Because of the key function provided by Change-Matic lock Cylinders – In the event a key is lost, changing the code is as simple as re-inserting an authorized reset key. Once a reset key is inserted and new code on the lock face is specified, all keys previously issued will no longer work. This function eliminates long term risks to security of the system in the unlikely event the key is lost.

Please see more information on the Change-Matic Lock series by reviewing Change-Matic Key Code Change on our Product Support tab, or by contacting one of our sales representatives.

How Do Municipalities Get the Message Out to Their Residents or Business That the Program Exists?

Council on Aging, Local News initiative(s), Physical Fliers or Brochures, Community Events, Local Senior Centers, Home Care Organizations, and social media are all ways Municipalities get the word out to their Residents.

If our team can assist in your efforts to spread the word in your community – Please let us know how we can help!

How Do We Get Started?

DISCLAIMER – There is no such key lock box that is tamper proof. Our boxes are for critical entry purposes only and not intended for broader security applications. Our boxes are intended to save seconds, to save lives.