For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
Alarm System. An assembly of equipment and devices (or a single device such as a solid state unit) arranged to signal the presence of a hazard. For the purposes of this section, the alarm, when triggered, must be directly connected to a central monitoring agency which then notifies the Police and/or Fire Departments of an emergency to which public safety personnel must respond, or may emit an audible signal which will require urgent attention and to which public safety personnel are expected to respond. “Alarm system” does not include audible alarms affixed to automobiles.
Alarm User. The person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind on whose premises an alarm system is maintained. “Alarm user” includes persons occupying dwelling units for residential purposes.
False Alarm. Any activation of an alarm system that results in a response by the Police or Fire Department where an emergency situation does not exist. “False alarm” includes, but is not limited to, activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, or the negligent use or maintenance of the alarm system by its owner or lessee or by the owner’s or lessee’s employees or agents. “False alarm” does not include activation of the alarm by utility company power outages or by climatic conditions such as tornadoes, lightning, other violent conditions of nature, or any other conditions which are clearly beyond the control of the alarm manufacturer, installer, owner, and user. “False alarm” does not include activation of an alarm system as the result of an effort or order to upgrade, install, test, or maintain the system, if the city and, where applicable, central monitoring agency for the alarm system are each notified in advance of any such upgrade, installation, test, or maintenance.