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Are there differences between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Topeka?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Topeka smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the superior choice"> for your family. Smoke detectors are a vital first step in protecting your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. Conversely, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to identify a potentially dangerous situation and can contact a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also brings out many additional advantages that your regular smoke detectors could only dream about.

Ordinary smoke alarms will only do one thing

Fire safety is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play a vital part in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their shortcomings. To illustrate, they will only react to smoke, not high temps. In the event there is an emergency in your residence, you may not be warned until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Although there are additional telltale signals of fire -- like a sudden rise in heat -- if there’s a lack of smoke, there is no sounding of your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate if they detect an adequate amount of smoke. When a fire begins slowly, you might not be alerted until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. Then when they do go off, it’s required of the resident to notify the fire department after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

Even though they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When connected to a comprehensive home security installation, they will:

  • Discern fire with multi-sensor technology: Comparable to a standard smoke detector, your monitored component has the ability to activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will resonate a high-decibel alarm when it recognizes danger.
  • Identify fire due to a abrupt rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm can also activate if it senses an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat comes in advance of smoke. More ways to detect a fire means additional ways to keep your family safe.
  • Alerts your dedicated monitoring representatives: Fires can happen whether you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who can quickly call first responders. When seconds count, it's nice to know that somebody is consistently watching over your house.
  • Pairs with home automation: Although the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to detect fire and request help, it may also connect to other automated equipment. To illustrate, a triggered alarm can induce your system to engage the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or initiate the lights so you are able to find the quickest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The simplest approach to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint expert today and find the ideal smart home for your family. Diall (785) 369-9429 or submit the following form to begin.