Liberty Township

Volunteer Fire Department

False Alarm Reduction Program

Helping Prevent Unnecessary Emergency Responses

False Alarm Reduction Program

False alarms place a significant strain on fire department resources, diverting personnel from real emergencies and creating unnecessary risks for responders and the community. Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department has implemented a formal False Alarm Reduction Program to help reduce these incidents and foster a safer, more informed community.

What Is a False Alarm?

A false alarm occurs when a fire alarm system activates and prompts an emergency response—but is not caused by actual heat, smoke, or fire. These are often due to:

  • Improper system installation or maintenance
  • User error
  • Malfunctioning equipment
  • Construction or renovation activity
  • Dust or smoke-producing tasks

Why It Matters

Each false alarm takes resources away from real emergencies. It can delay response to critical incidents and creates unnecessary wear on equipment and stress for responders.

How the Program Works

  • Education and Outreach: Our team may contact properties experiencing recurring false alarms to help address the issue and provide resources.
  • Progressive Enforcement: Repeated false alarms may result in fines or administrative fees to encourage timely repairs and responsible system use.

This program is aimed at reducing preventable activations through community engagement and consistent monitoring.

Authority to Enforce

As allowed under Indiana law, fire departments may charge for services. Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department is authorized by Liberty and Jackson Townships to implement and enforce this program in accordance with the State Fire Marshal’s recommended fee schedule.

How You Can Help

  • Ensure your system is properly installed and regularly maintained.
  • Train all users on proper use of your system.
  • Notify your alarm company before any activity—construction, cleaning, or testing—that might trigger the system.
  • Understand the difference between a maintenance alert and a true fire alarm activation.

Additional Information

We also encourage you to review the following resources to help prevent false activations:

  • Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
    Learn how to properly install, maintain, and test your smoke alarms to avoid false alarms and ensure they’re ready when you need them.
  • Carbon Monoxide Alarm Safety Tips
    Understand best practices for placement and maintenance of CO alarms to prevent nuisance alerts and protect against carbon monoxide exposure.

Reporting a Fire Drill or Maintenance Test

If you are planning a fire drill or scheduled maintenance that may activate your system, please notify us in advance using the form below: