Fire Alarm Information

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The Township of Lower Merion Ordinance No. 4094 and Chapter 51 of the Township Code regulates alarm registrations and the imposition of fines for false fire alarm activations.

The Security Alarm information and registration form can be found on this page: Security/Fire Alarm Information.

Chapter 51 includes the following:

All Security, Fire, or Combination Alarm Systems are required to be registered with Lower Merion Township. The annual alarm registration fee is $70.00 for residential and $110.00 for commercial users. Failure to register your alarm system annually may result in penalties of up to $300.00.
Any registered alarm user (homeowner) whose alarm system activates, causing three false alarms to occur in a consecutive twelve-month period, may not cause or permit a subsequent false alarm to occur in the same consecutive twelve-month period.
Each false alarm subsequent to three false alarms in the same consecutive twelve-month period shall constitute a separate summary offense, and the alarm user upon conviction, shall be sentenced to a fine or penalty of $300.00.
Contractors and fire alarm vendors causing a dispatch for a supervisory signal, trouble signal or unnecessary water flow activation signal, upon transmittal of first false alarm, shall be sentenced to a fine or penalty of up to $600.00.

STEPS TO PREVENT FALSE FIRE ALARMS

Notify the Fire Department Communications Center, at 610-649-4200, and your alarm company before testing, repairing the system or doing any work in your home that may cause dust, and ask to place the system ON TEST or OUT OF SERVICE.
Know how to cancel a false alarm. If the alarm goes off and you are absolutely certain you know what caused the alarm, notify the alarm company immediately and tell the operator, "Homeowner wishes to cancel the alarm and there is no need for the Fire Department to respond". If there is any doubt as to whether there is a fire, do not take chances - let the Fire Department respond to check it out.
Dust and smoke are identical to a smoke detector. If you are doing anything that produces visible dust, smoke, heat, or fumes, there is a good chance that you will set off a smoke detector. Smoke detectors must be covered during
construction to prevent dust accumulation in the detector chamber. When construction is complete, the covers are to be removed, the system should be cleaned, and the sensitivity checked. It is your responsibility to notify all contractors if a monitored alarm system is on location.
Fire alarm systems must be tested annually and maintained by a licensed technician to ensure the system is operating accurately.
Fire alarm equipment must be installed properly. Smoke detectors do not belong in kitchens, garages, attics, or be placed closely outside of bathrooms with showers. Heat detectors should be used to protect these areas.
It is necessary for your alarm company to have your contact information on file. If no one is at home, the alarm company needs your contact information to inform you of the alarm and the Fire Department might require your response to assist in gaining entrance to the building. Regularly verify and update your contact information.