Welcome to Chapel Hill Accidental Alarm Program

We understand receiving an unexpected invoice can be confusing or alarming. Here's a clear explanation of how false alarm fines work and why you may have been charged.

1. Your alarm triggered an emergency dispatch

   When your alarm system activated, your monitoring company or a neighbor called 911. Officers or firefighters were dispatched to your address.

2. No actual emergency was found

   Upon arrival, first responders determined there was no actual intrusion, fire, or emergency — constituting a false alarm under local ordinance.

3. Municipal ordinance authorizes the fee

   Most jurisdictions allow — and require — a service fee to be charged for false alarm responses. You may be entitled to one or more "grace" responses per year before fees apply.

4. This is a legitimate government charge

   This invoice is issued on behalf of your local municipality. It is not spam, a scam, or a private collection attempt.