What's the difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Columbia?

In the Columbia smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, there’s easily only one champion. Smoke detectors are an important consideration in shielding your residence from fire, but they have several shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more ways to detect a fire and can reach out to a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a security system also results in other advantages that your regular smoke detectors can only dream about.

The shortcomings of traditional smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Defending against fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform a vital role in keeping your family safe. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their drawbacks. For example, they can only detect smoke, not heat. If there is a fire in your house, you might not be warned until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are some other unmistakable signs of fire -- such as a marked heat increase -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you will fail to get a triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only activate if they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you might not be cautioned until it's too late. Many smoke detectors employ dual sensors, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a blazing inferno and a more gradual burn. Whenever they do go off, it's up to the occupant to notify first responders after exiting the residence.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

While they look about the same as standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If connected to a comprehensive home security package, they will:

• Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Like a traditional smoke detector, your monitored component can activate from an active or passive fire. It will sound a high-volume beeping when it recognizes danger.

• Discover fire from a sudden rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm may even go off if it senses an unusual heat surge. Typically, heat arrives before smoke. Having additional methods to uncover a fire equates to additional methods to keep your family safe.

• Notifies professional monitoring specialists: Fires can happen when you are on site or somewhere else. Either way, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring specialists, who can rapidly contact emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's comforting to realize that a trained professional is always keeping a watch of your house.

• Connects to home automation: Although the main purpose of a fire alarm is to identify fire and request monitoring agents, it can also connect to other automated equipment. For example, a tripped alarm could prompt your system to start the exhaust fan to impede the flames or trigger the lights so you may see the safest way out of your home.

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 pair them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and customize the ideal smart home for your needs. Call (573) 641-8250 or submit the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.