Don't Get Swatted: A Hilariously Un-Alarming Guide to Alarm Permits in LA
Living in the City of Angels? Love your peace of mind and fancy a high-tech guardian angel in the form of an alarm system? Hold on to your sunscreen, because before your house becomes Fort Knox, you'll need a little something called an alarm permit.
Why You Need This Fancy Piece of Paper (Besides Bragging Rights)
Let's face it, nobody wants a false alarm to send the LAPD rappelling through your living room window because Fluffy the cat decided to explore the china cabinet (again). False alarms cost the city a pretty penny, and without a permit, you'll be footing the bill (and maybe even facing some grumpy officers). On the bright side, a permit shows the authorities you're a responsible alarm owner, kind of like having a hall pass in school - except cooler, because it involves lasers (probably).
How to Get Your Permit: It's Easier Than Finding Parking
There are three main ways to snag this magical document:
- Channel your inner internet hero and apply online. Boom! Done and done.
- Feeling old-school? Head down to your local Office of Finance branch. Just make sure it's before 3 pm, or you'll be met with the terrifying thud of the "closed" sign.
- Too busy dodging rogue squirrels to leave the house? Give them a call! Though, we can't guarantee they won't put you on hold with elevator music.
Pro Tip: While you're at it, be sure to update your emergency contact information with your alarm company. The last thing you want is for them to send help to your aunt Mildred in Des Moines when your smoke detector goes off because you burned dinner (again).
Now You're Permitted to Par-tay (But Hopefully Not with False Alarms)
Congrats! You're now the proud owner of a permit that basically says, "Hey LAPD, this alarm means business (hopefully not the kind that involves clowns because, let's face it, that's never good business)." Remember, keeping your alarm system in tip-top shape and properly trained on how to use it is key to avoiding those unwanted police visits (and the potential for a stern talking to from your neighbors).
So there you have it! Getting an alarm permit in LA is a breeze, unlike the infamous Santa Ana winds. Now you can rest easy (and maybe finally get a good night's sleep without worrying about setting off the alarm because you forgot the code...again).
