ALARM ORDINANCEAs of
July 1, 2004 Ordinance 04 –1, City of Palatka False Alarm Ordinance went into
effect. This city ordinance requires registration of security alarm systems and
provides for administrative fines for alarm users who have an excessive number
of false alarms.
Click here to view Alarm Ordinance
F A
L S E A
L A R M S
Why Are False Alarms A Problem?
What
Can I Do To Avoid False Alarms?
What Do I
Do If My Alarm Goes Off?
What Should Be Done To Reduce False Alarms?
12 Steps To Zero False Alarms
Why Are False Alarms A Problem?
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False alarms take police and fire
services away from real emergencies.
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This embarrassing situation for you
can endanger responding authorities and your whole community! Setting
off a false alarm is like dialing 9-1-1; the police will come and this
may delay them responding to a real emergency.
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False alarms can lead neighbors to
ignore your alarm when it goes off. In effect, your security system
becomes less reliable.
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False alarms may make you reluctant to
arm you system - exposing your home to undetected theft!
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False alarms can cost you fines, up to
$500 for each alarm. Chronic abusers may even have police response
suspended.
What Can
I Do To Avoid False Alarms?
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75% of false alarms are caused by user
error. To reduce that number, make sure anyone with a key to your home
knows how to operate your system. Make special arrangements for guests
or repair technicians, and make sure they know the disarm code.
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Routine maintenance can greatly reduce
false alarms. Hove your security company check and service your system
(including batteries) regularly. Also, call your security company
immediately if your system does not seem to be working properly and
before you do any remodeling.
What Do I
Do If My Alarm goes Off?
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Do not panic. Remember your code.
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If it is an intruder alarm, stay where
you are unless you can safely exit your home. Do not put yourself at
risk by attempting to confront an intruder. If it is a fire alarm,
implement your family's fire exit plan.
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If the alarm activation was
accidental, carefully disarm your system. Carefully press each number of
you code. If you make a mistake you can usually press "*" to start over.
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After you have reset the system, wait
for your monitoring station to call you. Do not attempt to call them or
they will get a busy signal.
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Do not leave you home until you have
spoken with your monitoring station.
What Should Be Done To Reduce False Alarms?
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Rehearse alarm cancellation with
anyone who might use your system.
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Make Sure everyone who has a key to
your home or business knows how to operate the security system.
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Keep your security system instruction
book, and your monitoring station's name and phone number handy.
12 Steps to Zero False Alarms
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If you give anyone your key, train
them in the proper use of your alarm system. Many systems offer
temporary codes that only work a set number of times.
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When the alarm company calls to verify
an alarm, know your pass code!
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When the alarm system is armed, be
sure all doors and windows are shut tight and locked.
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Be sure pets are outside or in a room
without alarm coverage.
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Check for drafts, wind or vented air
that could blow plants, curtains, balloons, or other objects causing a
false alarm.
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Tell your neighbors about your alarm
system.
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Test your system monthly, or at least
yearly.
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If you remodel or add pets, be sure to
let your alarm company know.
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If you have your home painted,
fumigated, or use a bug bomb, be sure that all motion and smoke
detectors are protected.
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Contact your alarm company and local
police department when any alarm response information changes.
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Pay your alarm company to do a yearly
maintenance inspection check.
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check detectors for spider webs and
anything else that might interfere with detection.
The Palatka Police & Fire Departments work
very hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of the City of
Palatka. We hope this information will assist you in eliminating or reducing
the amount of false alarms your security system generates.
For additional information visit the Palatka Police Department or
call the Palatka Police Department at 329-0115.
