False Alarm Registration
Local Alarm Dispatch & Registration Bylaws
Do I require a municipal alarm permit for my alarm system?
It depends on your municipality. Several cities in Ontario have local bylaws that outline specific regulations about police response, security system permit registration and false alarm fines.
Please be aware that it is your responsibility to register your alarm system with the local police department where applicable.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service has created this Key Holder Registry to help citizens provide vital contact information for both property owners and their alarm monitoring companies, should the property be alarmed.
The Town of Essex requires all security system owners to register their alarms to help reduce costly false police dispatches, with penalties of $180 for repeated or unregistered false alarms.
Homeowners do not have to register; however, two or more false alarms will result in False Alarm fines for the alarm owners.
Homeowners do not have to register their alarms with the Guelph Police Service. False alarms will incur false alarm fees.
The Alarm Registration Program has been discontinued. Home and property owners with alarm systems will be permitted one free false alarm per year. Additional false alarms will be charged $400 per OPP service call and $570 per call attended by Fire Services.
With the exception of panic, holdup or duress alarms, the London Police Service only responds to verified property-related alarms received by alarm companies or monitoring services.
Residents of the Town of Tecumseh can register all security and fire alarms for a fee of $35.00.
Waterloo Regional Police has adopted a Verified Alarm Response Program (VARP) to improve service delivery to residents and business owners in Waterloo Region.
All residential and business alarms users within the City of Windsor must register their systems with the Windsor Police Service both monitored and non-monitored.
The Woodstock Police Service responds to all alarm calls, including false alarms where you or a family member accidentally sets off the alarm system. Registration is required and accepted only from alarm companies.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as a courtesy to Security ONE customers. Bylaws and related information can change from time to time. It is the customer’s responsibility to seek the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their city bylaws. Security ONE DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE MATERIALS OR THE RELIABILITY OF ANY ADVICE, OPINION, STATEMENT OR OTHER INFORMATION DISPLAYED OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE SITE.
How do I reduce false alarms?
A false alarm is the report of a false emergency causing unnecessary response and/or dispatch of authorities where they are not needed. Education and regular maintenance can help prevent false alarms.
Ensure swift response to alarms by keeping your emergency contact list current. We recommend have at least 3 individuals on your list and reviewing it annually to ensure all parties are still available.
Avoid accidental alarms by setting up your panel near the main entry point and educating all users on proper arming and disarming procedures.
Ensure all employees, family members and others who have access to your premises, e.g. a babysitter or housekeeper, are properly trained to arm or disarm your system and are equipped with a verbal password to cancel an alarm with our central monitoring station alarms.
Systems equipped with pet friendly devices or video analytics can help prevent false alarms.
Maintain the reliability of your security system by conducting annual inspections. Sensor damage or dirt and debris can create false signals. Regular dusting to keep your system clean can go a long way to prevent false alarms effectively.
Stay ahead of potential issues by replacing batteries regularly. You can use your panel to monitor battery levels.