[Adopted 1982 ATM by Art. 26 (Art. 10, § 15
of the General Bylaws)]
[Amended 5-3-2010 ATM
by Art. 15]
For the purpose of this bylaw, the following
terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings
given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in
present tense include the future; words used in the singular number
include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and
not merely directory.
ALARM SYSTEM
The term "alarm system" means an assembly of equipment and devices or a single device, such as a solid state unit which plugs directly into a one-hundred-ten-volt AC line, arranged to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention and to which police are expected to respond. Fire alarm systems and alarm systems which monitor temperature, smoke, humidity or any other condition not directly related to the detection of an unauthorized intrusion into a premises or an attempted robbery at a premises are specifically excluded from the provision of this bylaw. The provisions of §
175-3 of this bylaw shall apply to all users.
FALSE ALARM
A.
The term "false alarm" means:
(1)
Activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction,
improper installation or negligence of the user of an alarm system
or of his employees or agents.
(2)
Any signal or oral communication transmitted to the Police Department
requesting or requiring or resulting in a response on the part of
the Police Department when, in fact, there has been no unauthorized
intrusion, robbery or burglary, or attempt thereat.
B.
For the purposes of this definition, activation of alarm systems
by acts of God, including but not limited to power outages, hurricanes,
tornadoes, earthquakes, and similar weather or atmospheric disturbances,
shall not be deemed to be a false alarm.
[Adopted 1984 ATM by Art. 39 (Art. 16 of
the General Bylaws)]
[Amended 5-3-2010 ATM
by Art. 15]
For the purpose of this bylaw, the following
terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the meanings
given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in
present tense include the future; words used in the singular number
include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and
not merely directory.
AUTOMATIC DIALER
The term "automatic dialer" means any device capable of transmitting
an alarm of fire to the Fire Department over a telephone line and
received in a recorded voice form by the Fire Department and may only
be used to report fire alarm activations.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
The term "fire alarm system" means an assembly of equipment
and devices or a single device, such as a solid state unit which is
powered electrically or mechanically, arranged to signal the presence
of a hazard requiring urgent attention and to which the Fire Department
is expected to respond. Fire alarm systems monitor temperature, smoke,
extinguishing systems, and hazardous flammable gases and include manual
pull station. Any other condition not directly related to the detection
of fire is specifically excluded from the fire alarm system.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM OWNER
An individual or entity who owns title to and/or has, on
a business or residential premises, a fire alarm system equipped so
as to send a fire alarm signal to a central station operating company
or directly to the Westwood Fire Department by way of a master box.
[Added 1991 ATM by Art. 17]
MASTER BOX OWNER
Connection of a fire alarm system to the Westwood Fire Department
through a master box. Every master box owner whose fire alarm system,
on the effective date of this bylaw, is connected to the Westwood
Fire Department by way of a master box shall pay, on an annual basis,
fees for residential, business, or commercial property and any connection
or reconnection fees, as shall be established from time to time by
the Board of Selectmen after a public hearing.
[Added 1991 ATM by Art. 17]
NEEDLESS ALARM
The term "needless alarm" means activation of a fire alarm
system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation
or negligence of the user of an alarm system or of his employees or
agents. For the purposes of this definition, activation of alarm systems
by acts of God, including but not limited to power outages, hurricanes,
tornadoes, earthquakes, and similar weather or atmospheric disturbances,
shall not be deemed to be a needless alarm.
[Amended 1991 ATM by Art. 17]
A. In the event of a fire alarm system needless alarm
as hereinbefore defined, the Fire Chief may assess a fine against
a fire alarm system owner for each such needless alarm per fiscal
year according to the following schedule:
(1) First through third needless alarm: no fine will be
assessed. However, upon the receipt of the third needless alarm, the
Fire Chief shall notify the owner of the fire alarm system in writing
that there have been three needless alarms.
(2) Fourth through sixth needless alarm: $100 per alarm.
(3) Seventh through 11th needless alarm: $200 per alarm.
(4) Each needless alarm after the 11th: $300 per alarm.
B. Private fire alarm systems connected to the Westwood
Fire Department by other means, including automatic dialers and central
station systems, shall be subject to the same fine schedule.
C. All fines assessed shall be paid to the Town of Westwood
for deposit in the general fund. If the fine is not paid within 30
days a final notice will be sent informing the owner and/or occupant
that the master box will be disconnected and the insurance company
notified.
D. The Fire Chief, in addition to levying fines as provided
herein, may order the owner of an automatic dialer to discontinue
its use.
E. Failure to pay the annual service fee within 30 days
after issuance of the bill may subject the owner of the system to
be fined $50 per day for each day that the service fee remains unpaid
and disconnection of the system at the discretion of the Fire Chief.