False Alarm Ordinance in Little Rock
In Little Rock, the False Alarm Ordinance aims to minimize unnecessary emergency responses caused by malfunctioning alarm systems. Since its passage on December 22, 1998, the ordinance has sought to hold both alarm owners and alarm monitoring businesses accountable for system maintenance and mechanical reliability to prevent false alarms.
What Constitutes a False Alarm?
An alarm is considered false if no actual emergency exists. This includes accidental, negligent, or mechanical activations, or calls based on events like weather or power outages. Even if canceled en route, these cases are still classified as false alarms.
Consequences for False Alarms
To discourage frequent false alarms, the ordinance allows for three free alarms per year. If the limit is exceeded, civil penalties are imposed. These penalties increase in amount depending on the responding agency, with higher fines for fire and ambulance responses.
Prevention Measures
To avoid false alarms, citizens are encouraged to test and regularly inspect their systems. Proactive measures also include ensuring proper installation and maintenance, and verifying the legitimacy of alarms before emergency responses are requested.
Impact on Community Safety
By reducing false alarms, the ordinance aims to optimize emergency resources and ensure that true emergencies receive the necessary attention. This approach helps protect citizens from the dangers associated with unnecessary responses to unwarranted alarms.
