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What's the difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Monroe?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Monroe smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the preferred option"> for your family. Smoke detectors are an important first step in guarding your house from emergency situations, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to identify an emergency and may contact a monitoring team when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also brings out many extra perks that your ordinary smoke detectors could only wish for.

Your traditional smoke alarms in Monroe might be falling short

Defending against fire is important, and smoke detectors perform a critical part in keeping your family safe. However, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. For instance, they can only react to smoke, not heat. When there is a blaze starting in your residence, you would not be alerted before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Although there are additional unmistakable signals of fire -- such as a sudden rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate if they find enough smoke. If a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be alerted until it's too late. Various smoke detectors use more than one sensor, which means they will recognize smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. If they sound their alarm, it’s required of the homeowner to call first responders after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than ordinary smoke detectors

Although they look about the same as standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When connected to a comprehensive home security system, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with multi-sensor technology: Similar to a standard smoke detector, the monitored alarm can trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-decibel alarm when it senses danger.
  • Identify fire due to a sudden heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm will also go off if it senses an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat arrives prior to smoke. More means to uncover a fire means more ways to keep your family safe.
  • Warns professional monitoring specialists: Fires can happen whether you are on site or somewhere else. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring agents, who can quickly call first responders. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to realize that somebody is constantly keeping a watch of your residence.
  • Pairs with home automation: Even though the main task of a fire alarm is to recognize fire and request help, it can also join forces with other automated devices. For instance, a activated alarm can induce your system to engage the exhaust fan to hinder the fire or initiate the lights so you may find the best exit out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a fully equipped smart home

The easiest way to get the most from your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint expert today and find the most suitable smart home for your family. Diall (318) 758-9140 or send in the form on this page to begin.