{"id":26679,"date":"2024-12-18T21:44:55","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T02:44:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/alarme-non-fondee\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T11:09:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T15:09:34","slug":"false-fire-alarms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/firefighter\/fire-prevention\/false-fire-alarms\/","title":{"rendered":"Preventing false fire alarms\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"sticky-section-group aligndefault\"\n>\n   \n<div class=\"sticky-section-main\"\n>\n   \n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro-text\">Did you know that 41% of firefighters\u2019 calls in Laval are caused by false fire alarms? You can help reduce these unnecessary emergency responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-intro-text\">False alarms and their consequences&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">A false fire alarm is an alert transmitted to 911 through a monitoring center that causes firefighters to mobilize when there is no fire, no risk of fire and no danger. False fire alarms entail several consequences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-intro-text\">\n<li>Mobilizing SSIL resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increasing response times for real emergencies&nbsp;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raising the risk of incidents during emergency responses.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reducing occupants\u2019 trust in alarm signals, which can hinder a safe evacuation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">If you trigger an alarm system by mistake, please <strong>report it immediately<\/strong> by contacting your central fire alarm station so that firefighters are not required to mobilize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"notification-message notification-message__bg-alert-circle\" \n  >\n   <div class=\"notification-message__inner-container\">\n    <div class=\"notification-message__heading\">\n              <span class=\"notification-message__icon icon icon-alert-circle\"><\/span>\n                    <p class=\"notification-message__title\">Important notice<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n          <div class=\"notification-message__text\">\n        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/reglements-permis\/index-reglements\/declenchement-non-fonde-alarme-incendie\/\">Municipal bylaws<\/a> include a fee for any Fire Safety Department response to an alarm that turns out to be false.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips to prevent the activation of a home alarm system&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Light smoke inside a home, often caused by cooking appliances, shower steam, or heating, accounts for 40% of false alarms. And it\u2019s unfortunate to see a fire truck show up in front of your house\u2026 all because of overly toasted bread!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Installation and maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-intro-text\">\n<li>If possible, make sure smoke alarms are installed far from sources of smoke or water vapour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frequently clean the outside of smoke alarms to remove dust.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-intro-text\">How to program your System to prevent false alarms&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">An alarm system installed indoors can be programmed to minimize false alarms and avoid unnecessary firefighter dispatches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Configure your device so that there is a 30-second delay before the system communicates with the remote monitoring centre.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once the alarm is initiated, you have 60 seconds to enter your access code to cancel the alarm and avoid its transmission to the remote monitoring centre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, you have 30 seconds to press any key on your keyboard (initiation) and 60 additional seconds to enter your code if you are sure that the alarm is false.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-intro-text\">8 ways to prevent false fire alarms&nbsp;in buildings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Whether in an apartment building or an industrial, institutional, or commercial facility, alarms too often are triggered by mistake, inadvertently, poor maintenance or equipment malfunction. You can prevent false fire alarms as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordions-group block-accordions-group accordion-container\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"1-install-your-alarm-system-in-compliance-with-the-applicable-code\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\">1. Install your alarm system in compliance with the applicable code<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Fire alarm systems must be installed in compliance with the building code and standard S-524. Non-compliance with these requirements may lead to fire alarms being activated.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"2-protect-your-devices-against-accidents\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\">2. Protect your devices against accidents<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-intro-text\">\n<li>Install certified protective covers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not hang anything from fire prevention equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"3-pay-special-attention-to-smoke-and-water-vapour\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\">3. Pay special attention to smoke and water vapour&nbsp;<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cooking fumes can trigger a smoke alarm. For that reason, it is important to avoid venting cooking fumes in the direction of the alarm system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vaping or cigarette smoke can trigger a smoke detector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In certain cases, consider moving a detector placed in an inappropriate location conducive to false fire alarms (e.g., furnace room, kitchen, or a location too close to a ventilation opening).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"4-practise-vigilance-when-carrying-out-work\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\">4. Practise vigilance when carrying out work&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-intro-text\">\n<li>When performing work, make sure the smoke detectors in the work area are protected from dust and particles, and notify the central fire alarm station of your renovation dates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place a note in plain view on the fire alarm panel, explaining that the system is connected to a central fire alarm station that must be notified before renovation work is started.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take the appropriate measures to avoid needless alarm signals and remind apartment building occupants not to contact 911 unnecessarily.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"5-learn-to-identify-signs-of-a-defective-fire-alarm-system\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\">5. Learn to identify signs of a defective fire alarm system<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<p>When the cause of the alarm cannot be identified, check to see if your system is defective by having it inspected by a specialist. Various factors can contribute to system failures, including dust accumulation, obsolescence, humidity, a connection problem, a programming error, damaged wiring, or a power surge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"6-keep-your-alarm-system-dry\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\">6. Keep your alarm system dry<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-intro-text\">\n<li>Be careful not to trigger an alarm when washing with water. Manual alarm stations in particular are prone to being accidently activated during cleaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Since water infiltration can trigger an alert, maintain your home to limit the risk of a leak or an infiltration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temporarily or permanently protect detectors with protective boxes, if applicable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"7-prevent-freezing-in-winter-and-inadequate-maintenance-of-automatic-sprinklers\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\">7. Prevent freezing in winter and inadequate maintenance of automatic sprinklers&nbsp;<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-intro-text\">\n<li>Make sure sprinklers are adequately protected against the cold and that heating systems function properly. Underwater or wet sprinkler mains exposed to freezing are susceptible to breaking, which can cause significant damage and trigger a false alarm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A poorly maintained sprinkler system (excess pressure pump \/ non-functional compressor, poorly adjusted control device, flowmeter not time-controlled) can trigger false alarms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sprinkler systems must be maintained by qualified staff to ensure that they are in proper working order.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"8-stop-the-fire-alarm-from-being-activated-maliciously\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\">8. Stop the fire alarm from being activated maliciously<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-intro-text\">\n<li>Cover manual fire alarm stations with certified protective boxes&nbsp; that activate the alarm as soon as they are manipulated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply a tamper gel marker to devices so that a person who triggers an alarm without reason&nbsp; can be identified.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Install video surveillance equipment to identify the person at fault.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inform residents or family members that triggering a manual alarm station without a valid reason will result in a fine being applied.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"sticky-section-sidebar\"\n>\n   <div class=\"sticky-section-sidebar__inner\">\n     \n\n<p><\/p>\n\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"mixed-carousel mixed-carousel--custom alignfull\"\n>\n    \n<div class=\"heading-with-button container\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"mixed-carousel__carousel-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"mixed-carousel__carousel swiper\">\n        <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                      \n<div class=\"mixed-item swiper-slide aligndefault mixed-item--landscape-thumbnail\">\n  <a class=\"mixed-item__inner\" href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/firefighter\/fire-prevention\/\">    <div class=\"mixed-item__thumbnail-wrapper\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"609\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Equipements-prevention-incendies.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width:1216px) 430px, (min-width:1080px) 36vw, (min-width:768px) 41vw, (min-width:560px) 60vw, 85vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Equipements-prevention-incendies.jpg 609w, https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Equipements-prevention-incendies-300x172.jpg 300w\" \/>    <\/div>\n    <h3 class=\"mixed-item__title\"><span>Fire prevention<\/span><\/h3>\n          <p class=\"mixed-item__excerpt\">Discover helpful tips to ensure the safety of you and your family.<\/p>\n      <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mixed-item swiper-slide aligndefault mixed-item--landscape-thumbnail\">\n  <a class=\"mixed-item__inner\" href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/reglements-permis\/index-reglements\/declenchement-non-fonde-alarme-incendie\/\" target=\"_blank\">    <div class=\"mixed-item__thumbnail-wrapper\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"609\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/reglement-alarme-non-fondee-609x350-1.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width:1216px) 430px, (min-width:1080px) 36vw, (min-width:768px) 41vw, (min-width:560px) 60vw, 85vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/reglement-alarme-non-fondee-609x350-1.png 609w, https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/reglement-alarme-non-fondee-609x350-1-300x172.png 300w\" \/>    <\/div>\n    <h3 class=\"mixed-item__title\"><span>Learn about municipal regulations<\/span><\/h3>\n          <p class=\"mixed-item__excerpt\">Read the bylaw on fees applied to false fire alarm activations.<\/p>\n      <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"mixed-carousel__carousel-navigation container\">\n      <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      \n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":0,"parent":26690,"menu_order":30,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-26679","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/author\/mar-longprelaval-ca\/","display_name":"mar.longpre@laval.ca"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 1 year ago","modified":"Updated 4 weeks ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on December 18, 2024","modified":"Updated on May 11, 2026"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on December 18, 2024 9:44 pm","modified":"Updated on May 11, 2026 11:09 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":false,"series_order":"","publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-13 18:22:17","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"translation_priority","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26679","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26679"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26679\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":118179,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26679\/revisions\/118179"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26690"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26679"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}