ALARMS:

Your Alarm System, Its Battery Backup and 
False Alarm Prevention  

Q.        What is a false alarm?

A.        A false alarm occurs when an alarm is reported and the responding Police or Fire agencies respond and find no evidence of criminal activity or fire.  

Q.        What is a backup battery?

A.        Almost all security systems have a rechargeable battery that powers the system for a minimum of four hours in the event of a power outage.  If you have a wireless system, you may have several batteries in the sensors, as well as a backup battery.  

Q.        How can backup batteries cause false alarms?

A.        If you have false alarms after a storm, it may not be the storm that caused the alarm.  If your batteries are not up to the job, a false alarm may be generated when your alarm system powers up after a power failure caused by a storm.  Even a short power failure of a second or less may be long enough to cause a false alarm.  

Q.        How can I reduce the chance that my battery will cause a false alarm?

A.        Like all batteries, your backup has a useful life of about 3 to 5 years, but that life may be shortened if you have had several power outages.  Your battery backup should be checked annually, or after any storm related false alarm, by an alarm technician and replaced when needed.  

Q.        What other steps can I take to prevent a false alarm?

A.        Make sure that your doors and windows are all locked before arming the system.

Move your pets into an area that does not have a motion sensor.

            Be sure that window dressings and plants are not affected by drafts.  Their movement
            may cause a motion sensor to activate.

Test your system monthly.  Always contact your alarm company before you test the
            system.

Have your system tested by a technician annually or any time you have an unexplained
            false activation.

Educate everyone who lives or works at the alarm site on the proper operation of the
            system.

Never give a key to someone who is not familiar with the alarm system.


GUIDELINES FOR OBTAINING AN ALARM PERMIT
The Township of Holmdel has adopted an ordinance regulating alarm systems within the  Township. All existing and new systems must comply with the ordinance. An application form and copy of the ordinance may be picked up at Holmdel Police Headquarters.

The application must be completed and returned to Police Headquarters as soon as possible. If we find that your alarm system complies with the requirements of the ordinance, a permit will be issued to you that will allow continued operation. The Holmdel Police Department will advise you of items that need to be changed or adjusted in order to comply with the alarm ordinance. Non-conforming alarm systems will be ordered removed.  It is now possible for alarm systems to be directly connected to Police Headquarters over a telephone line (which must be leased by you). If you desire this service, please indicate this on your application form or call the Police Department for further details. Owners of telephone dialing devices are especially cautioned that the alarm ordinance absolutely prohibits dialers coded to dial the police switchboard number (946-4400). A special confidential telephone number will be provided to residents who have this type of alarm system. If you presently have such a device, carefully read sections 8(a) and 6(e) of the ordinance.

FALSE ALARMS
Due to an increased number of false alarms received by this department, we request that in the event you are aware your alarm system has been activated accidentally, please call Police Headquarters immediately at 946-4400 and give your alarm permit number to the dispatcher. When it can be determined over the telephone that no problem exists at the alarm protected premises there will be no police response to that premises.  With headquarters connected systems; when there is an activation, the dispatcher will be calling you, if you do not call immediately. Please respond with your permit number. Should you need to know your alarm
permit number, please come to the police desk with some form of identification.

A false alarm that is cleared in the above manner will not be charged to your record. However, excess false alarms, causing police or fire units to respond, will result in a summons requiring your appearance in Municipal Court.
 

FAQ
Q. How many warnings can I receive before a summons is issued?
A. For the first and second false alarm in any given calendar year, a warning will be issued.
For the third false alarm in the same calendar year, a fineof fifty ($50.00) shall be paid to the Township.  For the fourth or any subsequent false alarm, a fine of one hundred
($100.00) shall be paid to the Township.

Q. How long can my outdoor audible alarm sound?
A. All audible signaling devices shall be equipped with a timing device to limit the sounding of the signaling device to fifteen (15) minutes or less. (1976 Code 25-8; Ordinance No. 95-25).

Q. What is the fee for a permit?
A. Local alarms shall be registered, but no fee is charged.  A fee of $10.00 per year is charged for a Dialer Alarm System to cover the costs of the special phone line or lines required in Town Hall, necessitated by these systems.  Holmdel Police Department does not charge a fee for a Direct Connect Alarm System permit. The alarm company that owns and maintains the alarm console charges a one-time hook-up fee of $100.00 and a monthly maintenance charge of $12.00 If you are in the 946 central office area, the Bell Atlantic monthly wire rental charge will be $22.90. There is a one-time telephone company installation charge of $166.00. If you are outside the 946 area, the rate must be individually calculated. For further information  contact the Police Department.

Q. What is a central station response code?
This is question #10 on the application form. This is the code that is given to your alarm company or monitoring station when your alarm sounds. WE DO NOT WANT THE CODE NUMBER THAT OPERATES YOUR ALARM SYSTEM.  It is the continuing desire of the Holmdel Police Department to provide the best possible protection to everyone in our community. We believe the police headquarters alarm console and enactment of the ordinance to regulate alarm systems are steps in the right direction. If you have any further questions, please contact police headquarters.