Delaware Code Title 16 Sec. 6640 – Fire alarm signaling monitoring companies
(a) All fire alarm signaling monitoring companies are responsible for directing the call reporting the fire alarm signal to the appropriate dispatch center, and for providing the dispatch center with accurate location information.
Terms Used In Delaware Code Title 16 Sec. 6640
- Alarm signal: means the activation of a fire alarm signaling system or a fire suppression system that requests a response by a fire department. See Delaware Code Title 16 Sec. 6638
- Dispatch center: means a location specifically configured for the primary purpose of providing emergency communications services, public safety answering point services, and dispatch of fire apparatus to emergency situations. See Delaware Code Title 16 Sec. 6638
- Fire alarm contractor: means a person or company licensed by the State Fire Marshal's Office and engaged in installing, maintaining, monitoring, altering, or servicing fire alarm signaling or fire suppression systems. See Delaware Code Title 16 Sec. 6638
- Fire alarm signaling monitoring company: means a station or building located remote from the protected premises where fire alarm signals from one or more protected premises are received and from where, upon receipt of such signal, a dispatch center is notified. See Delaware Code Title 16 Sec. 6638
- Owner: means any person who owns the premises where the fire alarm signaling system or fire suppression system is installed or the person or persons who lease, operate, occupy, manage the premises, or are bound by the contract for services provided by the fire alarm signaling monitoring company. See Delaware Code Title 16 Sec. 6638
- Premises: means any building or structure where a fire alarm signaling system is installed. See Delaware Code Title 16 Sec. 6638
- State: means the State of Delaware; and when applied to different parts of the United States, it includes the District of Columbia and the several territories and possessions of the United States. See Delaware Code Title 1 Sec. 302
(b) All fire alarm signaling monitoring companies shall maintain a current contact list of 3 representatives or designees of the owners of which 1 will respond to the premises within 30 minutes to assist the fire department in gaining access to the building. The fire alarm signaling monitoring company shall have current contact information for each representative or designee of the owner. The contact list must be updated on an annual basis.
(c) Where an owner is unable to provide a minimum of 3 representatives or designees who can respond within 30 minutes, in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, a lock box containing keys for fire department access shall be provided as specified in the State Fire Prevention Regulations.
(d) A $100 civil penalty will be charged if an owner fails to provide either a minimum of 3 representatives or designees who can respond within 30 minutes or a lock box approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
(e) A $100 civil penalty shall be charged each time a fire alarm signaling monitoring company violates a provision of this section.
(f) For a fire alarm system installed in a single-family dwelling, the fire alarm contractor is responsible to solicit an updated contact list on an annual basis from the owner. It is an affirmative defense if the owner fails to comply with the fire alarm contractor’s requests for information.