In an effort to reduce the number of false alarm incidents, the City and Sheriff’s Station have jointly produced a “False Alarm Prevention” brochure that informs business and property owners about the False Alarm Ordinance, how to become familiar with their alarm systems, and advises them to stay in close contact with their alarm company for emergency contact information and response notification.

“We’d like to encourage the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley to help reduce false alarms and avoid fines through the proper use and maintenance of your alarm system,” commented Sergeant A.J. Rotella of the City of Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Business Alliance Program.

The Sheriff’s Department currently responds to nearly 8,000 alarms each year, of which 99% are estimated to be false, and primarily within City limits.

The Sheriff’s Department has eliminated handwritten False Alarm Warning Notices as a means of notifying the City and business/property owners of the false alarms to help reduce the number of incidents.

Previously, handwritten False Alarm Warning Notices were submitted to the City every four to six weeks. Now, all incident information is emailed to City staff on a weekly basis, thus improving timeliness and accuracy of the City’s false alarm incident tracking and billing system.

If an alarm owner accidentally sets off the alarm, don’t panic and don’t call 911. Carefully enter your disarm code to reset your system. Next, wait for your alarm company to call and give a password or ID number. Do not leave your home or business until you have talked with your alarm monitoring station. If they don’t call you, call them to cancel the alarm dispatch.

It is important to stay in regular contact with your alarm company.

The “False Alarm Prevention” brochure is available at City Hall, the Sheriff’s Station, or online at the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s website www.SCVSheriff.com.