§ 9.04.320. False alarm responses.

A.

Purpose. The primary purpose of this section is to reduce the likelihood and or number of false fire alarms in the city of Juneau by eliminating those which are either preventable or avoidable. It is also meant to encourage the installation and maintenance of such systems to insure reliability.

1.

Definitions.

"Alarm system." An approved assembly of equipment designed to signal a hazardous condition requiring immediate urgent response of fire department equipment/personnel. "Alarm system" shall, in this instance, include the terms "proprietary system," "commercial system," "residential system," "local system," and "direct line system."

"Alarm user." Any person or entity within the city of Juneau Fire District who maintains an alarm system in or on their premises. These also include emergency answering services and/or automatic dialer devices.

"False alarm." Includes any of the following:

a.

Activation of an alarm caused by negligence of the owner/agent or employee.

b.

Activation caused by mechanical or electrical failure from improper/incomplete maintenance of the system, or due to improper use of same.

c.

Activation of alarms during installation by any party, and activation during testing without first notifying proper authorities.

d.

Alarm activations caused by natural events, i.e. thunderstorms, power outages, tornadoes or conditions other than man-made are not considered false alarms.

2.

General Procedures. The chief and or assistant chief of the Juneau Fire Department shall have the authority to recommend waiver of any false alarm fees due to extraordinary circumstances. Fees are due as stated on invoice. Fees collected shall remain in the fire department funds for the sole purpose of replacing operating costs associated with such calls.

3.

Failure to pay the invoice when due shall subject the person to the penalties provided in paragraph (B) plus the fees charge above in paragraph (A)(4) below.

4.

Fees. Transmission of false alarms to the Juneau Fire Department shall be charged a fee dependant on the total number of such calls received in a twelve (12) month period, per address or individual occupancy.

Alarms 1—3	No charge
Alarms 4—6	$300.00 per call
Alarms 7—9	$450.00 per call
Alarms 10—up	$600.00 per call

 

B.

No person shall intentionally make or send a false fire alarm in the city of Juneau.

1.

Penalty. Any person who intentionally violates this provision shall be subject to a forfeiture in the following amounts:

a.

Three hundred dollars ($300.00) for the first violation.

b.

Four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00) for the second violation.

c.

Six hundred dollars ($600.00) for the third and subsequent violations.

2.

The city may also recover the actual costs for responding to the alarms in addition to the above penalties.

(Ord. No. 192-2010, 3-17-2011)