First Alarm

02/12/2026

12 February 2026

It is with deep sadness that First Alarm is confirming Tuesday's tragic vehicle accident at Hurricane Point and the loss of our colleague Aaron Carbajal while traveling home from his work site in Big Sur. Aaron was a well-respected and valued member of our First Alarm team. Aaron was an upbeat and energetic young man who was always smiling. In the short time that Aaron worked for First Alarm in our Monterey branch he was able to build a strong bond with our staff. He had a bright future as a fire alarm specialist and was studying to get his state fire alarm license. Because of his strong work ethic, I personally called on Aaron to travel to other First Alarm locations to support other branch field staff.

This is a major loss for everyone who knew and worked with Aaron. Our Monterey office has a unique bond with each other. This business relationship is like none I have ever seen in my career. They were Aaron's second family. As members of First Alarm mourn his loss, we have put in
place counseling support for our staff members that request it. Aaron's life will be celebrated and remembered. This is a major loss for Aaron's First Alarm family.

I have spoken with Aaron's family, and they are devastated by Aaron's
death. Aaron's family has asked media for privacy and time to grieve. This is a tremendous loss for the Carbajal family, and our condolences are with his family and loved ones.

The accident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol; therefore, First Alarm cannot comment on any further details on the accident at this time.

Regards,

Jim Norkoli
President, First Alarm

12/31/2025

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, poisonous gas from incomplete fuel burning (cars, furnaces, grills) that replaces oxygen in the blood, causing poisoning with flu-like symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea) that can lead to brain damage or death; it's dangerous because you can't detect it, so CO detectors are crucial for safety, especially in enclosed spaces.

Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit an emergency department, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.

We have experienced some recent activity in monitoring CO detectors in our clients homes. The detection is vital to save your life!

11/11/2025

10/21/2025

Good video to share with your family. Know the difference!

Just about everyone has woken up to the sounds of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm going off in the middle of the night. If your smoke or carbon monoxide ala...

06/13/2025

Fire season is here. Do you have your home protected?

1. Defensible Space:
• Create a Non-Combustible Zone (Zone 0):
This immediate area, 0-5 feet from the house, should be clear of all combustible materials like plants, debris, and even patio furniture. Use hardscape like gravel, concrete, or pavers.
• Reduce Fuel Load (Zone 1):
From 5-30 feet out, reduce the amount of dry vegetation. Remove dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris. Ensure trees and shrubs are properly spaced, and trim grass to a maximum height of 4 inches.
• Reduce Fuel Load (Zone 2):
This zone extends from 30 feet to 100 feet (or your property line, whichever is closer). Trim vegetation, remove debris, and ensure proper spacing between trees and shrubs.
• Consider Local Ordinances:
Local fire departments or fire protection districts may have specific requirements for defensible space, so it's important to check with them.
2. Home Protection:
• Roof and Gutters: Clear debris from gutters and roof to prevent embers from igniting your home. Inspect and repair or replace any loose or missing shingles or tiles.
• Attic Vents: Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering.
• Foundation: Enclose your foundation to prevent embers from getting under your home.
• Windows: Protect large windows with multi-pane windows, tempered safety glass, or fireproof shutters.
• Outdoor Furniture and Planters: Limit combustible items on decks and porches.
3. Other Important Steps:
• Clearance from Structures:
Ensure outbuildings and propane tanks have at least 10 feet of clear space to bare soil, with no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them.
• Water Access:
Plan for water access, including external sprinkler systems, water tanks, and garden hoses.
• Street Signs and Addresses:
Make sure street signs and address numbers are highly visible to help emergency responders.

11/26/2024

Keep your family safe this holiday. Make sure you have functional smoke detectors in place.

08/27/2024

First Alarm did a recent upgrade to a residential system. The client opted for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be added to the system. The system had gone off several times warning of carbon monoxide . Upon further investigation PG&E discovered a gas leak in the home. In 2021 carbon monoxide poisoning resulted in 28,900 deaths. Don’t become a static!

Please let us know if you would like a free home evaluation.

03/13/2024

It’s training day here in the office. We invest in our team!

11/30/2023

📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=709724618013550&id=100069280536875&mibextid=cr9u03

Last year, in order to better manage security alarm fees and penalties within the County of Santa Cruz, the Sheriff’s Office contracted with CryWolf, a third-party alarm permitting and billing company based in Florida. In doing so, we joined numerous agencies across the country using the same service.

Some residents in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County still need to register their alarm systems with CryWolf, while others have outstanding balances related to false alarm penalties. Over the next several weeks, we will be contacting alarm users in the county to inform them of their registration status and any delinquent alarm fees they may have incurred.

To register an alarm, please visit https://www.crywolfservices.com/santacruzcoca If you have any questions, please contact Crywolf services, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (833) 981-4009 or email [email protected]. You may also call the Sheriff’s Office Security Alarm Program Coordinator at 831-454-7603 or email at [email protected].

11/21/2023

Analytics at work again at a clients site in Oakland. The burglars used a gas torch to pe*****te a roll up door, iron gate, man door and one more iron gate prior to PD arrival. The burglars all jumped in 4 vehicles and fled without PD contact. They also damaged our cameras during the incident with a long pole.