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

In the Decatur smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s easily only one champion. Smoke detectors are an essential consideration in guarding your house from fire, but they have several drawbacks. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms provide more means to detect a fire and are able to contact a monitoring team when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a security system also brings out many extra benefits that your common smoke detectors could only dream about.

Traditional smoke alarms can only do one thing

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on a vital part in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have some shortcomings. For example, they are only able to identify smoke, not heat. When there is a blaze starting in your residence, you would not be warned unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are additional significant signals of fire -- like a sharp increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you won’t have a warning from your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they encounter ample smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you might not be cautioned until the situation is out of hand. Many smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, meaning they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. If they do go off, it falls to the occupant to notify the fire department after they safely leave the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

While they look like standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When linked to a comprehensive home security system, they will:

• Discern fire with different sensor types: Similar to a standard smoke detector, your monitored device will trigger from an active or passive fire. It will sound a high-volume beeping whenever it senses danger.

• Detect fire with a rapid rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm may even activate if it senses an unusual heat surge. Frequently, heat is noticed in advance of smoke. Having additional methods to uncover a fire means extra ways to safeguard your family.

• Notifies professional monitoring specialists: Fires can take place whether you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring team, who can quickly call the fire department. When every moment matters, it's nice to have the knowledge that someone is always looking out for your residence.

• Connects to home automation: Even though the main purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and call for monitoring agents, it may also connect to other automated equipment. For example, a tripped alarm could prompt your system to start the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or initiate smart light bulbs so you can see the best exit out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The simplest method to optimize your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and discover the perfect smart home for your needs. Diall (256) 305-1902 or complete the form below to get started.