Fire-EMS
In an effort to enhance public safety and reduce the unnecessary expenditure of public resources to false alarms, Roanoke City Council adopted two new ordinances pertaining to fire and security alarms. The purpose of the ordinances is to provide regulation for the use and operation of fire and security alarms. This program went into effect on January 1, 2004.
In April 2002, the Roanoke Police Department launched an awareness campaign to reduce the number of police officer responses to false alarm calls. In 2001, Roanoke Police responded to over 8,000 alarm activations. In early 2002, a patrol officer began a community policing project to address the problem. Many alarm calls for police service are false alarms and unnecessarily use the time of officers who could be spending their time more efficiently and effectively in other areas of service to citizens. False alarms account for approximately seven percent of police calls for service in the city.
False alarms also impact Fire-EMS service delivery. For example, electronic alarms for fire from commercial and retail structures activate a response from three fire engines, two aerial ladder trucks, and one command officer. In 2002, Roanoke Fire-EMS responded to more than 1,400 alarms, 95 percent of which were false alarms. While it is important to respond to security alarms, false alarms distract public safety officers from addressing real emergency situations, and increase the risk of injury to citizens, firefighters and police.
Registration Requirements
The following provides necessary information for alarm company operators and commercial alarm system users to be in compliance with the new policies and procedures for alarms in the city.
Alarm Company Operator
Application for Registration must include:
- Name of the alarm company operator
- Names of owners and officers
- Services offered by the alarm operato
- Non-refundable registration fee
- Registration and fees are required annually for both fire and security alarms.
Commercial Alarm System User
Application for Registration must include:
- Name and address of commercial property with alarm system
- Telephone of alarm system user
- Type of alarm system i.e. local or monitored
- Name of alarm company operator selling or leasing new or existing alarm system equipment or services
- Names of two other persons who can be reached at any time, day or night, who is authorized to respond to an alarm signal
- Non-refundable registration fee
If the alarm system is to be installed or maintained by an alarm company operator, the alarm company operator may obtain the required permit for the alarm system user.
Fire and Security Alarm Fees
Registration Fees
Registration fees are only required to be paid once a year for both fire and security alarms.
Alarm System User Permit:
- First Year $25
- Each year thereafter $20
Alarm Company Operator:
- First Year $25
- Each year thereafter $20
Service Charges
False alarms are allowed to occur up to three times before any service charges are made to give alarm users time to fix any equiptment related problems that might be causing false alarms. The schedule of fees are as follows for repeat false alarms:
Registered Permit Holder:
- Fourth false alarm $25
- Fifth false alarm $50
- Sixth false alarm $100
- Seventh false alarm $150
Non-registered User:
- First- sixth false alarm each $100
- Seventh & up false alarm each $150
Each false alarm after seven will result in the same monetary penalites.
Alarm Reduction Tips
Most false alarms are caused by user error. By following simple steps you can greatly reduce the chance of falsely engaging an alarm system. The first step is to instruct everyone who has a key on how to operate the alarm properly. Also, make sure all authorized persons know how to cancel false alarms. Be sure to make special arrangements for guests and repair technicians to prevent a chance of engaging the alarm.
Notify your security company immediately at any signs the alarm system is not working properly. Schedule routine maintenance and check the system’s battery often to ensure the system is operating properly. Be sure to notify Police or Fire-EMS when maintenance is being performed on the alarm system.
To register contact the False Alarm Coordinator at Fire-EMS at 540-853-2327 or email at fire-ems@roanokegov.com or the False Alarm Coordinator at the Police Department at 540-853-1722 or police@roanokegov.com.
|