Alarm Registration Deadline: October 1, 2013

Residents and businesses within the cities of Dunwoody and Sandy Springs who use a monitored alarm system to protect their buildings have until October 1, 2013 to register their alarm systems in accordance with recently passed ordinances in each city. In the city of Dunwoody, monitored alarms can be registered at www.dunwoodyga.gov/alarm; in the city of Sandy Springs, the URL is www.sandyspringsga.gov/alarm. 

 

The cities each contracted with Cry Wolf to implement online registration, and tracking and collection of fees associated with excessive false alarms. Alarm users are assessed a graduated fine ranging from $50 to $500 based on the number of false alarms. Fire alarmed locations must be registered in Sandy Springs, while fire alarms are excluded from registration requirements in Dunwoody. Commercial alarmed locations must pay a $25 registration fee annually in Dunwoody, with no charge assessed in Sandy Springs. Registration for residential alarm systems is free in both cities. There is a $100 fine for failure to register any monitored property alarm system. 

 

Councils in each of the respective cities approved alarm ordinances with the goal of reducing the number of false calls requiring public safety personnel efforts. It is estimated that at least 95 percent of all alarmed calls are false alarms. In 2012, Sandy Springs police responded to 9,096 alarm calls, of which 8,739 were false alarms. In 2012, Dunwoody Police responded to more than 4,000 alarm calls, and the majority of those were false alarms. 

 

Unlocked or loose doors and windows; children, visitors and pets; user error and equipment malfunction are among the most frequent causes of false alarms. When an alarm is activated accidentally, a quick call to the alarm company to cancel the alarm will prevent a false alarm registered against the facility. 

 

Residents and businesses in the two cities have until Oct. 1, 2013 to register their alarm systems in order to avoid the $100 non-registration penalty. If residents and businesses are unable to access the internet or have questions on the registration process, please call the toll free number 866-889-2365 or email SandySpringsGA@publicsafetycorp.com or DunwoodyGA@publicsafetycorp.com. Details about the ordinance and penalties for false alarms can be found on each city’s respective websites.