Can Emergency Vehicles Reach My Home?

During an emergency, every second counts. If your driveway or access route is blocked or too narrow, it can delay our response. Locked gates, low archways, overhanging trees, or tight turns can make it difficult for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to reach your property — and may even cause damage to your property or our equipment.

To help us respond quickly and safely, please review the recommendations below to ensure clear and easy access to your home.

Gates

 To ensure emergency vehicles can reach your property safely and without delay, please consider the following:

• Provide at least a 20-foot-wide clear opening for all gates.
• Design gates to be operable by one person without special tools or equipment.
• Set gates back from the roadway to allow fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles enough space to turn and enter safely.
• For coded or electronic gates, install a Knox key switch so emergency responders can gain access quickly. Knox switches and ordering information are available on the Knox website.

Archways and Trees

Should be a minimum of 13 feet 6 inches over the roadway.