To register your alarm system in Calvert County, contact your servicing alarm company to request a customer registration form. The form has two sections—one for the alarm user and one for the company—and requires signatures from both parties. Depending on the company’s policy, they will either submit the completed form directly to the County or return it to you for submission.
There is no fee for residents or businesses to register or renew their alarm systems.
Initial alarm registration is a joint effort between the alarm owner/user and the servicing company. Once your alarm is registered, you will receive a Certificate of Registration from the False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU). Alarm system permits must be renewed annually. FARU will mail a renewal notice as a reminder.
The False Alarm Reduction Unit is dedicated to establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between alarm users, alarm industry representatives and the Calvert County emergency responders to help reduce the number of false alarms in Calvert County through proper installation, maintenance, monitoring and efficient and effective use of alarm systems.
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners adopted the Calvert County False Alarm Reduction Regulation in 2001, which requires alarm businesses that install, maintain, alter, sell, service or monitor alarm systems within Calvert County to register with the Calvert County False Alarm Reduction Unit. All locations within Calvert County that utilize an alarm system also must register.
Calvert County police, fire and emergency medical personnel respond to more than 5,000 false alarms annually (approximately 13 per day). However, less than 2 percent of all activated alarms are for actual emergencies.
Working together, alarm businesses, alarm users and the False Alarm Reduction Unit can dramatically reduce the number of false alarms in Calvert County.
Responsibilities
Administering the false alarm appeals process
Assisting in the goal of reducing false alarms in Calvert County
Developing and administering a public information program to educate alarm systems users on provisions of the False Alarm Ordinance and the proper maintenance and use of alarm systems
Ensuring that appropriate inspections and upgrades of alarm systems occur
Licensing alarm businesses
Providing advance notification to alarm users and alarm businesses of applicable registration renewal dates
Registering alarm users
Sending notifications of false alarms and levying civil monetary penalties for excessive false alarms