The following words, terms and phrases used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different; different meaning.
ALARM. A signal, audio or visual, recorded or live, transmitted to the fire department through County Dispatch, and indicating a predetermined condition. The-alarm may be received via:
(1) Telephone lines to a designated position on an alarm panel at County Dispatch, or electronic receptors installed at the fire department;
(2) A private alarm service company relaying a predetermined condition to County Dispatch, or electronic receptors installed at the fire department;
(3) An automated telephone alarm system playing a recorded message when received by County Dispatch, or when received at the fire department.
(4) An audible alarm or any alarm transmitted by any means and received by County Dispatch, by way of telephone, radio, personally reported, or when detected by personnel of the fire department.
ALARM-INITIATING DEVICE. A device that is designed to respond either manually or automatically to smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, or the activation of a fire suppression system.
FALSE FIRE ALARM. The activation of any fire alarm system that results in a response by the fire department, and that is caused by the negligence or intentional misuse of the fire alarm system by the owner, its employees, agents or any other activation of a fire alarm system not caused by heat, smoke, carbon monoxide and/or fire. A FALSE FIRE ALARM is also any activation caused by a mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, lack of proper maintenance, dust from construction or any source, or any other response for which the fire department personnel are unable to determine the apparent cause of the alarm activation.
OWNER. Any person or business entity who owns the premises in which a fire alarm system is installed or who leases, operates, occupies or manages the premises.
PREMISES. Any building, structure or a combination of buildings and structures that is served by a single fire alarm system. Buildings, structures or a combination thereof that are served by more than 1 fire alarm system will be considered separately in calculating false alarms and penalties.
(Ord. 05-10-2022, passed 6-1-2022)