Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/31501
SECURITY SYSTEMS NEWS APRIL 2011 www.securitysystemsnews.com False Alarm Ordinance Watch FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS The Flower Mound Town Council adopted an updated alarm ordi- nance, which became effective Jan. 1. The new ordinance is designed to reduce the number of false alarms, and encourage alarm users to pro- vide updated occupant information, SAGINAW, MICH. A Feb. 11 story from CBS affiliate WNEM.com reports that effective Feb. 14, residents and businesses in the city of Saginaw that have alarm systems will be required to once again register their burglar alarm systems, even if they have previously registered their systems with the city of Saginaw. An alarm registration is good for a year from the date of registration. Under the current ordinance, alarm registration fees were established at a one-time fee of $50 for both commercial and residential. Penalties for repetitive false alarm activations were also established. The fee schedule allows two free false alarms per registration period. The third false alarm in a registration period incurs a $50 fee, the fourth a $75 fee. Five or more false alarms in a registration period result in a $100 fee each. LONGVIEW, TEXAS A Feb. 11 story in the Longview News-Journal reports the Longview City Council has approved a new ordinance regu- lating false fire alarms. Under the new law, every property owner—both residential and commercial—with a fire alarm must register and pay a permit fee with the fire department. SSN NEWS 9 maintain the mechanical reliability of their alarms, and properly use their alarm equipment. Flower Mound has contracted with ATB Services to administer the program. False alarm service fees are calculated on a rolling twelve-month basis: first through third false alarm results in no fee; fourth through sixth earn $50 each; and seven or more false alarms incur $75 each. MONROEVILLE, PA. A Feb. 17 story from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports town offi- cials approved an ordinance stating residents and business owners will have to pay a fee for false alarms. Two false alarms will be permit- ted each year without cost. A third false alarm would cost $75. Any more than that will cost $150 each. The Pitcairn, Pa. council approved a similar ordinance in January. BETHLEHEM, PA. According to a Feb. 15 story in the Morning Call, the Bethlehem City Council has given preliminary approval to an ordinance that would require home and business own- ers with burglar and fire alarms to update emergency information each year to better combat false alarms. However, the story reports the coun- cil rejected 5-2 placing a $15 annual fee on roughly 2,000 homeowners and a $35 fee on 1,000 businesses when they update the information. The original 1987 alarm law requires only an initial registration fee, which would still be required under the ordinance. Under the new law, the penalties for false alarms would also increase. The fines would range from $100-$500. ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA. A Feb. 14 story in the Montgomery News reports the Abington Township Board of Commissioners on Feb. 10 voted 12-3 in favor of amending the current alarm system ordinance, which charged non-residen- tial alarm users a fee for false alarms. Under the original ordi- nance, nonresidential customers were charged $35 for the third offense. Fees went up to $100 for six or more offenses. Introducing the network video certification that shows your strengths Now you can showcase your expertise in network video with a new global standard for individual certification from Axis. To achieve certification, you will need to pass an advanced level test covering the latest in net- work video surveillance technologies, solutions, products, and best-practice techniques. Once certified, you’ll have a stamp of endorsement from Axis, the world leader in network video. It’s good for your career and your company’s repu- tation as it verifies your proficiency, and speaks volumes of your company’s ability to deliver effec- tive network video surveillance solutions. Prepare for certification with the new standard in network video. Axis offers both online and classroom-based training to help you acquire the knowledge needed to pass the exam. Go to www.axis.com/certification to find our online certification center and for more information. Prepare for certification. Go to www.axis.com/certification