False alarms could cost you

We rely on alarms to keep ourselves and our property safe, but some say the number of false alarms going off recently is cause for alarm — and under a little-known Idaho Falls city ordinance, each false alarm could cost you.

Rob Bayless, general manager at security firm Alliant Inc., said part of the problem is the growing number of door-to-door alarm salesmen, many of whom are inexperienced.

“Companies that hire these folks typically spend a lot of time in teaching them how to sell and how to close people and use a lot of pressure, but they don’t put so much training into how to actually install the alarm systems,” said Bayless.

While the Idaho Falls Police Department doesn’t track the number of false alarms it responds to, it said they’re putting undue strain on responders.

“Obviously, false alarms do take away from legitimate calls,” said Joleyn Hansen, spokeswoman for IFPD.

But false alarms aren’t just a bother. They’re also against city rules.

“To help deter false alarms, we do have ordinances in place that do charge a fine,” said Hansen.

Under the ordinance, you get two false alarms for free each calendar year, but on the third false alarm, you could face a $100 fine. The fine goes up with each offense.

To combat this problem, Bayless offers his customers a self-monitoring alarm system.

“The alarm system goes off, it sends a text message to up to three people. They can log into the optional camera and see if that is an actual burglar in their home,” said Bayless.

If there isn’t a real threat, there’s no harm, because police aren’t called automatically.

“Homeowners or the business owners can actually decide themselves if they want to call the police or not,” said Bayless.

IFPD is also asking people to update their alarm contact information. You can do so online.

You can also read the false alarm ordinance on the city’s website.