§ 5-2. Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them. All other words shall have the meanings normally ascribed to them in regular usage.

ALARM SYSTEM

A device or an assembly of equipment which is designated to detect smoke, abnormal rise in temperature, fire, medical emergency or an entry into or exit from a building, structure or facility and, by reason thereof, emits an audible response intended to alert persons outside of the premises and/or transmit a signal or message to an emergency agency either directly or through a private answering point.

AUTOMATIC DIALER

A devise that automatically dials and relays a prerecorded message to an emergency agency.

AVOIDABLE ALARM

The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or the negligence or carelessness of the owner, user, custodian, operator or lessee of an alarm system or that person's employee(s), guests(s) or agent(s) requiring an emergency response from an emergency agency when in fact an emergency requiring such response does not exist. An avoidable alarm is also the intentional activation of an alarm system when the person activating it knows an emergency does not exist, as well as all alarm system activations in which an investigation by a police officer and/or fire district officer of the Town reveals no evidence of the existence of an emergency. An avoidable alarm is not deemed to include the activation of an alarm system by violent conditions of nature, acts of God or similar causes beyond the control of the owner, user, custodian, operator or lessee of an alarm system or that person's employee(s), guests(s), or agent(s) nor in as avoidable alarm deemed to be the activation of an alarm system under any circumstances in which the person activating the alarm system reasonably believes that an emergency situation exists.

EMERGENCY AGENCY

The Police Department, the Fire District, central fire dispatch and any other emergency dispatch center.

VERIFICATION

An attempt by the monitoring company, or its representative, to contact the alarm site and/or alarm user by telephone to determine whether an alarm signal is valid before requesting a law enforcement response, in an attempt to avoid an unnecessary alarm dispatch request. For the purpose of this chapter, telephone verification shall require, as a minimum, that a second call be made to a different number if the first attempt fails to reach an alarm user who can properly identify themselves to determine whether an alarm signal is valid before requesting law enforcement dispatch.