Canton Fire Officials Urge Knox Boxes After Delayed Responses

CANTON, CT — The Canton Fire and EMS Department is urging property owners to install Knox Boxes after recent emergency responses were slowed by limited building access.

In a public notice, the department said crews responded to several calls in commercial buildings that did not have a Knox Box.

A Knox Box is a secure device that stores building keys for emergency personnel.

Without one, firefighters and EMS may be forced to delay entry or cause property damage to gain access, wrote fire officials.

“In emergencies, every second matters,” the department stated.

A Knox Box allows responders to enter a building quickly without breaking doors or windows.

The department said the system can reduce damage to homes and businesses while speeding care during medical and fire emergencies.

The department outlined several benefits for residents and business owners in Canton, including faster emergency access, less property damage, and added peace of mind for seniors, neighbors, and people living alone.

As a next step, officials are encouraging interested property owners to contact the Canton Fire Marshal’s Office for purchasing information at 860-693-7857.