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Reducing False Alarms

Overview

The department receives a number of unnecessary alarms that cost time and resources.  Consider the following tips to help reduce the number of false alarms:

How You Can Help

  • Select a quality alarm system that fits your needs.
  • Select a professional to install your alarm system who can explain the use of the system to you and those persons who will be using the system on a daily basis.
  • Ensure that everyone who will have access to the alarm system has a full understanding of what they must do should the alarm activate.
  • Arrange to have a competent professional conduct an annual preventative maintenance check up of your alarm system.
  • Periodically review alarm system procedures with those persons who will be using the alarm system.

Alarm Activation - Registration Laws

Pennsylvania Crimes Code: Sec: 7511 (c) False Alarms

A person that owns uses or possesses an alarm device or automatic dialing device may not, after causing or permitting three false alarms to occur in a consecutive 12 month period, cause or permit a subsequent false alarm to occur in the same consecutive 12-month period. A person that violates this paragraph commits a summary offense and shall be required, upon conviction, to pay a fine of not more than $300.

Township of Northampton Ordinance: Chapter: 46 Alarms, 46-4 False Alarms

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons, including but not limited to an owner or lessee of any building in which a fire, hold-up, or burglar alarm have been installed:

  • to cause, suffer, allow or permit the accidental or purposeful transmission of a false alarm signal from any public or private place to the Police Department or Volunteer Fire Company.
  • to cause, suffer, allow or permit to be made any report or request for police or fire service or assistance by any means or communication wherein the situation, condition, incident or emergency did not and does not exsist.

Chapter: 46 Alarms, 46-4 Registration of Alarm System

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons, including but not limited to an owner or lessee of any building in which a fire, hold-up, or burglar alarm have been installed, to fail to register with the Police Department an alarm system, to include but not limited to burglary, robbery and fire, within 24 hours of the installation.

Registration is to include name, address and telephone number of the subscriber and the installer and the name, address and telephone number of at least on person who has the knowledge and means to reset the alarm.