RDES encourage Red Deerians to prevent false alarms
Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) is reminding Red Deerians about the importance of preventing false alarms after a notable rise in the number of false alarms in the first quarter of 2025.
From January to March 2025, City officials say RDES responded to 1,423 incidents, of which 145 (10.2%) were false alarms. In March, false alarms are said to have accounted for 13 per cent of all incidents. Each year, the city says RDES and Red Deer RCMP respond to hundreds of false alarms in the community. Officials say prevention is key, as personnel must respond in an urgent manner putting both emergency personnel and the public at risk.
“Many of our false alarm calls come from improper use of security systems. Understanding and maintaining your system is very important,” said Fire Marshal Tim Kivell. “Ensure you have arranged for your security system provider to call you when an alarm is triggered. Silent alarm settings may result in you not even knowing your alarm is going off.”
False alarm calls could cost you if RDES arrives to find no emergency situation. As per City Bylaw, false alarm fees are charged to the property owner based on the number of false alarms that occur in a 12-month period. While the first occurrence results in no charge, a second occurrence is $300, third occurrence is $500, and fourth and subsequent occurrences are $750.
