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What's the difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Columbus?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Columbus smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, one alarm rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense in protecting your house from emergency situations, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to identify a fire and can contact a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also delivers other advantages that your regular smoke detectors would only wish for.

The limitations of ordinary smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors take on a critical role in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For example, they can only react to smoke, not high temps. When there is a blaze starting in your home, you might not be alerted unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are some other significant signals of fire -- such as a marked heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no sounding of your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only beep when they find ample smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be alerted until the situation is out of hand. Many smoke detectors utilize dual sensors, meaning they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. Whenever they start beeping, it’s required of the resident to call the fire department after safely leaving the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than standard smoke detectors

Although they look about the same as traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If connected to a comprehensive home security installation, they can:

  • Detect fire with multi-sensor technology: Similar to a traditional smoke detector, the monitored device will trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-decibel beeping when it recognizes a hazardous situation.
  • Detect fire due to a rapid rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm can also trigger if it discerns an unusual heat surge. Frequently, heat arrives before smoke. Added ways to detect a fire means additional methods to protect your loved ones.
  • Notifies trained monitoring specialists: Fires will occur whether you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring team, who are able to quickly place a call to emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's comforting to know that someone is constantly watching over your home.
  • Integrates with home automation: While the chief job of a fire alarm is to detect fire and request help, it can also integrate with other automated components. For instance, a triggered alarm could prompt your system to engage the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or turn on the lights so you are able to see the quickest exit out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are an important aspect of a fully equipped smart home

The simplest approach to optimize your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and discover the most suitable smart home for your requirements. Call (614) 820-1364 or complete the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.