Parkland County has a False Alarm Bylaw
Here is what you need to know:
A false alarm is considered an alarm that is not caused by heat, smoke or fire, or a request for fire services where no actual emergency exists. The False Alarm Bylaw was passed in 2016. Fire Services continues working towards education and awareness of the bylaw, its associated fees, and the impacts false alarms have on the community (sending fire trucks to false alarms may endanger those experiencing true emergencies).
Why?
False alarms make up nearly 20% of the Fire Services total number of annual emergencies. They have a large financial impact on Parkland County - more than $75,000+ a year. Fees are in place to reduce false alarms and recover costs.
Who is affected?
Parkland County businesses and homeowners who have fire alarm systems that are commonly monitored by an alarm company.
What will happen?
Parkland County will recover the costs from false alarms calls when Parkland County responds to:
- more than one false alarm on a parcel of land within a calendar year, or
- a false alarm from an alarm system where its Alberta Fire Code certification is more than 90 days expired.
Did you know?
An alarm call costs approximately $500 in staff wages in addition to operating costs. Here are some stats from recent years:
- In 2022, Fire Services responded to 203 false alarm calls. This amounts to 22% of the Fire Services total number incidents this year.
- In 2021, Fire Services responded to 172 false alarm calls. This amounts to 17% of the Fire Services total number incidents this year.
- In 2020, Fire Services responded to 223 false alarm calls. This amounts to 26% of the Fire Services total number incidents this year.