Warren County, N.C., passes alarm law

Home and business owners in Warren County, N.C., who suffer more than two false alarms in a calendar year will now have to shell out money for fines thanks to a new ordinance passed by county commissioners earlier this week.

According to published reports, the fee for false alarms three through five will be $50. Alarm owners will be charged $100 for any sixth or subsequent violation of the new ordinance.

Those who have alarm system activations triggered by bad weather, an outside animal, electrical power outage, a fire, or during testing procedures will not be subject to a fine.

The ordinance, which also makes it illegal for someone to activate an alarm without cause, goes into effect on Feb. 16.