This page addresses frequently asked questions concerning the Nuisance Fire Alarm policy for the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. For more information, feel free to contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at (925) 838-6600.

What is a nuisance fire alarm?
"The activation of any fire protection or alarm system which results in the response of the Fire Department and is caused by malfunction, improper maintenance, negligence, or misuse of the system by an owner, occupant, employee, or agent, or any other activation not caused by excessive heat, smoke, fire, or similar activating event." (San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Ordinance No. 37, Section 202)

When did the nuisance fire alarm policy become effective?
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Ordinance No. 23 went into effect on January 1, 2011.

What was the reason for the nuisance fire alarm policy?
The policy is intended to encourage alarm owners to be more responsible in preventing nuisance alarms.

Why are nuisance alarms a problem?
Nuisance alarms take lifesaving equipment and personnel out of service, preventing them from responding to other emergencies. Additionally, excessive alarms can create apathy among occupants who will begin to ignore fire alarms which could have tragic consequences.

Do medical alarms count as nuisance fire alarms?
No. Nuisance alarms are for fire alarms only.

How will I know if I have had a nuisance fire alarm?
You will be noticed by mail if you have had a nuisance fire alarm at your property. All alarms received before the first notice will count as just one alarm. No notice will be sent for the second alarm.

What if I call and cancel an alarm with the alarm company?
An alarm call will be counted as a nuisance alarm if the responding unit has left the station to respond to the alarm.

The Fire Department never showed up. Why was I notified of a nuisance fire alarm?
If the responding fire department unit left the station to respond to the alarm, it will be counted as a nuisance alarm, even if they were canceled in route.

Can I have my alarm company call me first before calling the fire department in order to avoid nuisance alarms?
Commercial properties and required fire alarms are required to have the alarm company contact the fire department first. Only on residential alarms can the alarm owner have the option to have their alarm company contact them first before the fire department.

I'm having problems with my alarm system; can I disable the system until I get it fixed in order to avoid nuisance alarms?
No. If you have having problems with your alarm system and need assistance in establishing a course of correction, contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at (925) 838-6600. You may be required to take your system off-line but alternate means of protection will have to be established and approved by the Fire District.

Is my alarm system required to be monitored by an alarm company?
If your alarm system is in a commercial building, then it is required to be monitored 24/7 by a UL listed monitoring company. Residential alarms systems are not required to be monitored, however the alarm system is much more effective at saving life and property if it is monitored.