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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Green Bay smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one device rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are an important consideration in shielding your place from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms have more means to discover a potentially dangerous situation and may notify a monitoring team when the unthinkable happens. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also delivers various additional advantages that your regular smoke detectors would only hope for.

Regular smoke alarms will only do one thing

Defending against fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play a vital role in safeguarding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their limitations. For example, they can only identify smoke, not high temps. In the event there is an emergency in your residence, you would not be warned unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are further significant signals of fire -- such as a sudden increase in warmth -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they encounter enough smoke. In the event a fire begins slowly, you might not be cautioned until it's too late. Various smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. If they sound their alarm, it's up to the resident to notify emergency services after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

While they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If connected to a comprehensive home security package, they are able to:

  • Detect fire with multi-sensor technology: Like a standard smoke detector, this monitored alarm will trigger from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will emit an easily audible alarm if it senses a hazardous situation.
  • Identify fire due to a abrupt heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm will also activate if it senses an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat comes prior to smoke. Having additional means to identify a fire equates to additional means to safeguard your family.
  • Alerts your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires will take place whether you are home or away. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who can swiftly contact emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to have the knowledge that a trained professional is constantly keeping a watch of your home.
  • Connects to home automation: While the chief task of a fire alarm is to identify fire and call for assistance, it can also connect to other automated devices. For example, a activated alarm might prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the fire or trigger the lights so you can locate the best exit out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a complete smart home

The best way to optimize your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint expert today and customize the perfect smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (920) 663-3617 or complete the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.