False alarms account for approximately 32% of the fire company’s annual emergency dispatches. This high volume of unnecessary calls strains our volunteer firefighters and places them at unnecessary risk during response. Many of these calls stem from simple issues like unmaintained smoke detectors, cooking smoke, dust during home renovations, or outdated security system settings. By keeping alarm systems properly maintained and notifying your provider before performing work that creates dust or smoke, residents can help ensure our volunteers are available for true emergencies.
Under North Whitehall Township’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 224, Section 5, property owners face monetary penalties and fees for repeated false alarms to protect volunteer firefighter resources and reduce unnecessary emergency dispatches.
Good Practices
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Routine Maintenance: Regularly test, clean, and replace batteries/components in smoke detectors and alarm systems.
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Provider Notification: Contact your alarm monitoring company or provider before starting activities that generate heavy dust or smoke (such as drywall sanding or remodeling). It is also recommended to contact them when servicing the devices such as cleaning them or changing batteries.
Under North Whitehall Township’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 224, Section 5, property owners face monetary penalties and fees for repeated false alarms to protect volunteer firefighter resources and reduce unnecessary emergency dispatches.