PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to establish the guidelines for the personnel of the New Hackensack Fire Department when responding to an automatic fire alarm.
 

GENERAL
Automatic fire alarms are transmitted through a monitoring panel installed on the premises which monitors smoke detectors, manual pull stations, water flow sensors, etc. When activation is received, the panel then transmits a signal to a monitoring station (ie. ADT, Wells Fargo, etc.) and then in turn the monitoring station transmits a signal to Dutchess County 911 Dispatch Center.

PROCEDURES

DISPATCH

1) Upon receiving an alarm, 5211 responds to the scene code 3 to investigate reason for alarm activation. If notified by Dutchess 911 of a non-emergency (ie. Set off by cooking, car exhaust, etc) response is code 1.
2) All firefighters are to wear full personnel protective equipment including SCBA’s

ON SCENE

1) Upon arriving on scene and is deemed to be a structure fire IC shall call for full first and second alarm assignment from 911.
2) Upon arrival, if there is no apparent reason for activation is present, gain
access to premises, locate monitoring panel and attempt to determine reason for alarm activation smoke detector, manual pull station, water flow sensor, etc. and location.
3) Attempt to locate active sensor (smoke detector, manual pull station, water flow, etc.) and determine reason for activation.
4) After determining reason for activation attempt to reset fire alarm system or instruct the owner/operator of  premises to call monitoring station company.
5) If no one is present and the premises contains lock box, request 911 to activate the Knox Box on 52-11. Also request a police agency to the scene.