A noticeable increase in false alarms has prompted the Department of Public Safety to issue a reminder to alarm system holders in Danville. Director of Public Safety Larry Thomason said he has been reviewing alarm receipts for both the Fire and Police Divisions and has noticed an increase in false alarm calls. “The increase, however slight, is significant where public safety is concerned,” Thomason said. “Each time a fire or police unit engages in an emergency run there is a potential for injury to the firefighters or police officers as well as the general public. Equally, emergency resources are diverted when they may well be needed at a real emergency.”
Danville has an alarm ordinance, Chapter 102, that outlines alarm systems and who is required to obtain a permit. Generally it describes an Alarm System as any mechanical or electrical device designed to detect intrusion or smoke and/or fire. Detection is sent out by a signal or sound to notify emergency responders.
The Department of Public Safety issues a notification of a false alarm when emergency response is made. “The notification is in a hard copy form and gives pertinent information on the specific malfunction,” Thomason said. “The hard copy is left with the alarm holder and that information is transferred to a database. When the same address receives a fourth notice in the same year, the responsible party is notified. Should a fifth alarm notice be given in the same calendar year the responsible party will be assessed a false alarm service charge.”
The fifth false alarm creates a $50 service fee; sixth alarm $100; seventh alarm $150; eight to ten alarms $200 per alarm and eleven or more false alarms $300 per alarm.
“The ordinance was created to reduce the number of false alarms,” Thomason said. “Alarms are a valuable asset to both business and residential owners. It is our hope that alarm system holders maintain their equipment and take corrective action upon notification to avoid higher fees but most importantly with their cooperation, they partner with public safety in reducing potential injuries and unnecessary use of valuable resources meant for real problems.”
Chapter 102 can be viewed by going to the City of Danville homepage and found under the Office of City Clerk. A onetime $25 fee is required with each alarm application and applies to business and residential owners. Thomason encourages any current alarm owner or those planning to install an alarm to review the ordinance.
