Managing False Alarms
What is a False Alarm?
A false alarm occurs when the MFB attends an incident to find there is no emergency and there is no need for their firefighting skills or other expertise.
The MFB attends a huge number of false alarm calls each year – over 14,300.
The majority of these are generated by automatic alarm systems and it is the management of these types of unwanted false alarms that the MFB promotes (The Building Code of Australia provides the following definition for 'automatic' - "designed to operate when activated by a heat, smoke or fire sensing device").
Your fire alarm system – your fire safety
It is vital to understand the significance of your fire alarm system and fire safety for all concerned – from family members to employees to the general public.
Most automatic fire alarm systems are a legal requirement, or have been installed to provide fire safety, and it is essential they operate efficiently at all times.
Unwanted false alarms reduce the effectiveness of this early warning system.
Impact of false alarms
False alarms have a very negative impact on the fire services and general public. Please click here to access reasons as to why false alarms should be reduced.
Managing or reducing False Alarms
Since 1989, the MFB has been charging for false alarms. This has provided a strong incentive for property owners and occupiers to mitigate false alarms.
Contact Details
For further information on false alarm charging or prevention strategies, please contact the Alarm Assessment Helpdesk on 03 9665 4688.
For information on making submissions, please click here.