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Are there differences between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Jefferson City?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Jefferson City smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the better choice"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an essential line of defense in shielding your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have some notable shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms provide more methods to discover a fire and may contact a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Linking your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also brings out various extra advantages that your ordinary smoke detectors would only wish for.

Your traditional smoke alarms in Jefferson City may be falling short

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors take on an essential part in safeguarding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. To illustrate, they are only able to react to smoke, not heat. If there is a blaze starting in your residence, you would not be warned unless the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are further significant signs of fire -- like a marked increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you won’t have a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate if they find an adequate amount of smoke. If a fire starts small, you might not be cautioned until it's too late. Some smoke detectors employ dual sensors, which means they will recognize smoke from both a blazing inferno and a more gradual burn. If they start beeping, it’s required of the homeowner to call the fire department after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than standard smoke detectors

While they look about the same as traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If linked to a complete home security system, they will:

  • Identify fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a traditional smoke detector, your monitored component will trigger from an active or passive fire. It will emit an easily audible warning when it perceives a potential disaster.
  • Detect fire from a rapid rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm may even go off if it discerns an unusual heat surge. Frequently, heat is noticed before smoke. Added ways to identify a fire equates to more methods to keep your family safe.
  • Notifies your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires may happen whether you are home or away. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who are able to swiftly contact the fire department. When seconds count, it's great to have the knowledge that somebody is always keeping a watch of your house.
  • Integrates with home automation: Even though the main job of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and request assistance, it may also integrate with other automated equipment. To illustrate, a activated alarm might prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the flames or turn on the lights so you can see the best way out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a fully equipped smart home

The easiest method to get the most from your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint expert today and customize the ideal smart home for your requirements. Diall (573) 498-8565 or send in the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.