Businesses with faulty alarm systems face an increased risk of fine, under a revised township ordinance.
The fine and number of “allowable” false alarms has changed. Previously the township allowed six false alarms in a 12-month period without penalty, with a summons carrying a potential of a $25 fine on the seventh call.
The ordinance now imposes a $100 fine on the fourth false activation.
Each time an alarm goes off, two police officers respond. If it’s a fire alarm, the volunteer fire companies turn out.
In 2011, 69 summonses were issued, according to police. None were to residents; all involved commercial properties.
Police Capt. Paul Merkler said the ordinance would push people and businesses to be responsible for alarms, and would reduce the time that emergency services speed to calls unnecessarily.

