An intolerable amount of Fire Department resources are being expended
in responding to alarms that have been activated other than by a fire. The
purpose of this chapter is to avoid the current waste of Fire Department resources
by reducing the number of false alarms to which the Fire Department must respond.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ALARM DEVICE
Any type of alarm system actuating equipment which provides warning
of fire, smoke, flood or other peril.
FALSE ALARM
The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction,
improper installation, improper usage or the negligence of the owner or lessee
of an alarm system or through the error or negligence of employees, guests
or agents of the owner or lessee of the premises. It shall include all alarm
signal activation incidents which reveal no evidence of the existence of an
emergency condition. Those alarm signals that have been triggered by physical
damage to the protected premises as a result of hurricane, tornado, earthquake
or other violent natural phenomenon are excluded from the definition of "false
alarm." If the owner or lessee can furnish conclusive proof that an alarm
was triggered by line trouble signals via dedicated telephone lines, then
that alarm activation will not be deemed a false alarm.
HORN
That device existing in the Fire Department of the Village of Westfield
which emits audio indications, thus requiring a response thereto by the Fire
Department.
PERSON
Any natural person, partnership, corporation or association or any
other legal entity.
The Fire Chief may from time to time propose rules and regulations to
the Board of Trustees in order to provide for efficient recordkeeping and
the management of the system described herein. Such proposed rules and regulations
shall become effective upon the approval of the Board of Trustees. Upon such
approval, the Village Clerk shall cause copies of such rules and regulations
to be mailed to all owners of alarm systems registered pursuant to this chapter.