A false alarm means RCMP were dispatched, attended and found no evidence of criminal activity or imminent threat to personal safety. These may occur due to testing, malfunction or human error. The Security Alarm Systems | Bylaw No. 1546 aims to reduce false alarms by requiring a permit renewed biennially and applying penalties for repeated false alarms, creating less strain on protective services. In the Central Okanagan, if you have a security alarm system in your home or business you must have an alarm permit and renew it every two years. You will receive a renewal invoice approximately four weeks before the expiry date. You can register online or in-person.