False Fire Alarm(s)
The Impact of False Alarms and Associated Costs
Accidental fire alarm activations occur for various reasons. When they happen frequently, they can become a nuisance, desensitize people to alarms, and reduce the system’s overall effectiveness. Additionally, false alarms tie up fire department resources, delaying responses to actual emergencies.
To help reduce unnecessary responses, false alarms are billable based on a 12-month rolling cycle. Charges are included on your City of Lakeland electric bill:
- Up to 2 False Alarms: No fee
- 3rd and 4th False Alarm: $35 each
- 5 or More False Alarms: $70 each
Easy ways you can help prevent false alarms
- Keep your fire alarm and system components clean and maintained by a professional annually.
- Notify your fire alarm company if you are testing or fixing your alarm system.
- Know how to cancel a false fire alarm.
- Have licensed professionals install and maintain your fire alarm properly.
- Treat your system with care. Firefighters, ambulance personnel, and police officers want to get to your emergency as fast as they can to provide you with the help you need.
Consequences of False Alarms and Their Impact
Opportunity Cost | False alarms divert the Lakeland Fire Department’s resources from real emergencies. When crews and equipment respond to a false alarm, they may be minutes further away from life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrests, vehicle accidents, or structure fires—where every minute counts. These delays can make the difference between life and death. The department’s commitment is to always be there for the community, but false alarms hinder that mission.
Financial Cost | In 2024, the department responded to over 1,509 false alarms, resulting in unnecessary fuel use and increased wear on equipment, leading to higher maintenance and replacement costs. Reducing false alarms saves money and ensures that resources funded by the community are used efficiently. As responsible stewards of public resources, the Lakeland Fire Department works diligently to minimize preventable waste.