Yorktown to lower Knox Box placement to improve emergency access

The Town Board unanimously approved amendments to a local law requiring commercial property owners to install Knox Boxes, securing building keys for use by first responders in emergencies.

The changes, adopted at the May 19 meeting, were recommended by the town’s fire commissioners and are intended to streamline emergency access to commercial buildings.

Knox Boxes are secure lockboxes mounted on commercial properties that contain keys or access cards, allowing fire and emergency personnel to enter buildings quickly without forcing entry.

Councilman Sergio Esposito, who serves as the town board liaison to the Bureau of Fire Protection, also referred to as the fire advisory board, said the updates reflect concerns raised by first responders.

“It’s something that we’ve been trying to get through for some time,” Esposito said. “And this is something that’s coming straight from our first responders.”

The changes, according to Esposito, address how the boxes are currently installed on buildings.

Esposito said that Knox Boxes are a necessary tool, but noted that many are currently mounted too high on buildings, forcing first responders to use ladders and spend extra time reaching them. He said the change will require the boxes to be installed at a lower, more accessible height.

“This is going to bring the Knox boxes down lower,” he said.

Officials said the updates are designed to make the system more efficient and improve response times during emergencies, particularly when immediate access can be critical.

Under the law, owners of covered commercial properties are required to install Knox Boxes so first responders can access buildings when necessary. The updated language clarifies access procedures and reflects input from fire commissioners aimed at improving usability in the field.