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False alarms can mean fines from police
Published September 1, 2007
False alarms, while declining, are still a problem for Albertville’s police and fire departments, Albertville police Chief Benny Womack said.
Although false alarm calls for both departments are decreasing, Womack wants to remind people there is a city ordinance covering false alarms and the need for all residents and businesses purchasing an alarm permit.
In July 2004, the year before the alarm ordinance was enacted, there were 102 false alarm calls received by the Albertville police and fire departments Womack said.
In July 2007, the number of false alarm calls received has declined to 72, a reduction of almost 25 percent, he added.
Womack, responding to comments from some individuals who believe that police and firemen get paid to respond to alarms, said, “While that is true, and we are going to respond to every alarm we receive, the unfortunate truth is most of the alarms we receive are, for one reason or another, false.
“False alarms are costly to the city and ultimately to the citizens because revenues to fund these departments come from taxes. Every time one of the large fire trucks starts up, or a squad car has to respond to one of these false alarms, and many times it takes both to respond to an alarm, it takes a substantial amount of fuel alone to do so.”
Added to the problem of expense is the danger inherent in a high-speed emergency response to an alarm.
“If it is a false alarm and a bona fide alarm comes in during that time,” Womack said, “the delay incurred could result in a more serious situation developing.
“The message I want to convey is the ordinance is working and for citizens to continue their efforts to reduce the incidence of false alarms, and for newcomers to our community to be aware an ordinance does exist requiring them to fill out an application for an alarm permit and pay the $15 fee for a residence or $25 fee for a business, good for three years.”
The permit allows for five false alarm calls within a one-year period. A sixth false alarm call will incur a fine of $100. Each additional false alarm within a calendar year will increase by $25.
Schools and churches are exempt from the $100 fine after the fifth false alarm, but they are required to pay a $25 fine for each additional false alarm the same as a residence or business.
“I’ll be the first to state it seems we are being dollared to death every time you turn around,” Womack said, “but in this case it has to do with public safety and I believe it is worth the small fee.”
Anyone having questions about alarm permits or needing to purchase a permit should call 891-8224.
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