Remotely Monitored Fire Alarm Systems (RMFA's) are fire detection and alarm systems in buildings that are monitored by remote alarm receiving centres (ARC's), who pass fire signals to the appropriate Fire and Rescue Service Mobilising Control Centre. It is recognised that these systems make a significant contribution to the fire safety of people, buildings and the environment by giving an early alert of a fire to the Fire Service.
The number of RMFA's is increasing and there is concern about the corresponding increase in false alarms from some of these systems.
The new policy is concerned with false alarms that are received from RMFA's, whether they have been generated by a fault in the system or by the action, inaction, or neglect of persons managing or using the protected premises. |  | False alarm calls divert us away from our primary role of preventing fires and attending real emergencies, additionally they cost millions of pounds to commerce, through disruption to work and business continuity.
This year alone Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service will respond to over 2000 false alarms from fire alarm systems. |