False Alarm By-law overview:
The definition of a Nuisance False Alarm call is:
Nuisance:
Means the activation of a fire alarm system through a mechanical failure, equipment malfunction, or improper maintenance or installation of the system, but does not include the activation of a fire alarm system where the activation occurred as a result of accidental damage to the system.
The definition of a Malicious False Alarm call is:
Malicious:
Means the negligent or intentional misuse of a fire alarm system resulting in an activation of the system, but does not include the activation of a fire alarm system under circumstances that would have caused a careful or prudent person to believe that a fire related emergency was in progress at the owner’s building, or in circumstances where the owner has notified the Fire Department in advance of work being done on the fire alarm system that could cause a false fire alarm.
How to request a review
An alarm is considered false if it is determined that the alarm was caused through:
- A mechanical failure
- An equipment malfunction
- Improper maintenance or installation of the system
- The negligent or intentional misuse of a fire alarm system resulting in the activation of the system
When is an Alarm not considered False?
An alarm will not be considered false if it is determined that the alarm was caused by:
- A disaster such as earthquakes or severe weather conditions
- Accidental damage to the system
- Calls not initiated by a fire alarm system
- CO detector activation
- Fire alarm system testing involving the activation of the system where Fire Service has been notified
Whenever fire department personnel respond to an activated fire alarm system, the fire official in charge of the incident shall determine if the response was caused by a false alarm and shall indicate that fact upon the incident report.
(b) The fire department shall regularly review incident reports to monitor the accumulation of false alarms at any one location. When two false alarms have occurred at the same location within one year, and the location is within the incorporated area of the city, the fire department shall notify the fire alarm user by letter, citing the location and date of each false alarm. The letter shall recommend that appropriate action be taken on the part of the fire alarm user to alleviate the causes of false alarms and shall include a statement that an accumulation of more than three false alarms within a year shall result in a charge for services. Another similar letter shall be sent when three false alarms have occurred at the same location within the year.
(c) When four false alarms have occurred at one location within a year, a user fee of $100.00 for service for false alarm response shall be billed to the property owner. Each additional false alarm within the year shall require the billing of an additional fee of $100.00. However, no fire alarm user shall be charged with accumulating more than one false alarm in any 24-hour period. The fee established by this section affords only partial recovery of the expenses incurred in responding to the false alarm. If payment of the fee, in full, has not been received within 30 days of billing, the fee shall increase to $300.00.
(Ord. No. 94-59, 10-5-94)
