This data seems to indicate that our recent emphasis on reducing false fire alarms is working. In 2002 our rate of false alarms was 41%, 2003 was 32%, 2004 was 35% and so far this year we are tracking at a rate of 30%.
This is an important effort as we try and reduce the wear and tear on our firefighters. Taking our people away from family and jobs to respond to a false alarm is a waste of valuable resources and can also create a “Cry Wolf” syndrome with respect to alarm calls.
Our long-range goal is to get the rate to under 20%. As we get farther down the rate, the reductions may get tougher to achieve, but I believe we will get there with a continued strong effort by all members of the Fire Department.
The process of reduction begins with an accurate account of each false alarm responded to. The Inspections staff then follows-up with a phone call and visit. Fines are also a part of the equation as a further incentive to offenders to work on their systems and processes to eliminate the needless alarms.
Hats off to the entire staff for the efforts so far, we must also continue the process to see additional reductions. I am confident that together we will be successful
