Wednesday May, 15 2024

• 08:54 - Nature: Alarms - Residential (Single) - Smoke detector

  • Address: 25093 Leland Av Walden, DE 19951 –

    • No rationale and proper password provided - Cancelled

• 10:48 - Nature: Automatic Crash Notification

  • Address: Bay Farm Rd and William Dr Millsboro, DE 19966

    • Unfounded after preliminary search of area - Cancelled

• 11:48 - Nature: Alarms - Residential (Single) - Carbon monoxide

  • Address: 32622 West Berkley Ct Captains Grant, DE 19966

    • Contractors working on location - Cancelled

• 8:27 - Nature: Alarms - Residential (Single) - Carbon monoxide

  • Address: 54 White Pine Dr Pines at Long Neck, DE 19966

    • Inproper notifications - Cancelled

A Day of Automatic Alarm Response Incidents

On Wednesday, May 15^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for multiple automatic alarm incidents involving smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors or automatic crash notifications.  These incidents included activations for a multitude of reasons which included faulty detectors, no rational for activation with proper passwords wishing to cancel, contractors working on location, and unfounded.

As noted in many publications and white paper research initiatives, false alarms / automatic alarms are impacting morale and reducing the number of volunteers (members) responding to all other alarms.  Automatic alarms are problematic for volunteers across the country. 

Concerns that need to be addressed are the rationale and causes of these incidents which include:

1. Location of the detectors

   1. Steam from showers, cooking, etc.

2. Workers / contractors in a facility working – sanding, painting, sweeping, etc.

3. Smoking in the bathrooms, utility rooms, etc. with smoke impacting detector

4. Culinary mishaps

5. Changing batteries

Many of these concerns can be mitigated with education and informing all concerned parties to assist with reducing these types of alarms.  This can be achieved by working with alarm companies to include publications in their billings as well as educating residents during public awareness events and other activities.

These types of incidents are 100% preventable.

Education and Training: Educating building occupants, residents, and users about fire safety protocols, including the proper use of fire alarm systems, can significantly reduce false alarms. Regular review of instructional material should cover how to handle emergencies, proper reporting procedures, and awareness of alarm triggers within the structure. Ensure everyone knows what action to take in the event of an alarm activation.

Be aware and take care: Accidental activation of a fire alarm is one of the most common causes of false alarms. When using devices such as toasters, dryers, kettles, or even hair dryers never leave them unattended. All of these items which are commonly used could have an impact on a fire alarm system, so be aware of your surroundings at all times. Other items such as aerosols, water, vapor, and steam can also impact a fire alarm system. Ensure occupants keep bathroom doors closed, ensure any extractor fans are in working order, and do not leave any running water unattended.

Regular Maintenance: Proper maintenance and inspection of fire alarm systems are crucial to reduce the quantity of false alarms. So, you need to ensure your fire alarm system is tested routinely and serviced in accordance to specifications.

Resolve known faults as quickly as possible: Fire alarm systems develop faults. It's the nature of any electrical system. When you are aware of a fault, repair it quickly.

Choose the right installation and maintenance provider: Fire alarm systems are electrical items that require good care and maintenance. From initial design to installation and maintenance, ensuring you have the correct provider in place who understands your property, understands the requirements of use for the structure and works with you to ensure that your fire alarm system is designed and maintained correctly.

False fire alarms pose a significant concern for businesses and residential property owners and the fire service as well. By understanding the causes and taking time to implement preventive measures, you could minimize false alarms, safeguard property, protect business operations, and enable the fire service to respond efficiently to genuine issues. Some of the steps mentioned above are crucial in reducing false alarms and promoting a safer environment for everyone.