A verification process is an independent method of an alarm system monitoring company for determining that a signal from a fire alarm system requires immediate fire department response. The verification process shall not take more than five minutes, calculated from the time that the alarm company receives the alarm signal until the alarm company determines whether to request a fire department dispatch. The means of verification shall include at least one of the following:

(a) The establishment of voice communications with the alarm user or a person authorized by the user at or near the premises with the alarm who may indicate whether there is an immediate need for fire department response;

(b) A feature that permits the alarm user or a person authorized by the user to send a special signal to the alarm company that will cancel the alarm immediately after the signal has been sent and prevent the alarm company from calling the fire department;

(c) The installation of a video system that provides the alarm company the ability to ascertain whether activity is occurring that warrants immediate fire department response;

(d) A confirmation that an alarm signal reflects a need for immediate fire department response from either the alarm user or a person authorized by the user or an alternate response agency made before dispatching the fire department; or

(e) An alternate system that the fire chief determines has or is likely to have a high degree of reliability. (Ord. O-15-04 (part), 2004)