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Is there a difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Lima?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Lima smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, there’s easily only one winner. Smoke detectors are a vital first step in shielding your place from a dangerous blaze, but they have several shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more means to identify a potentially dangerous situation and can notify your support team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in many extra advantages that your common smoke detectors can only hope for.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in Lima could be inadequate

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors play an essential role in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have some shortcomings. To illustrate, they are only able to identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is a fire in your house, you might not be alerted unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Even though there are some other telltale signals of fire -- such as a marked rise in heat -- if there’s a lack of smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep if they find enough smoke. When a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until the situation is out of hand. Many smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, which means they will be able to perceive smoke from both a blazing inferno and something less intense. Whenever they do go off, it’s required of the resident to contact first responders after they safely leave the premises.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than ordinary smoke detectors

While they look about the same as regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When linked to a total home security package, they are able to:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored alarm will trigger from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will resonate a high-volume alarm when it recognizes danger.
  • Discover fire from a sudden heat surge: A monitored fire alarm will also trigger if it senses an unusual increase in heat. Typically, heat arrives prior to smoke. Added means to identify a fire leads to more ways to safeguard your family.
  • Alerts trained monitoring agents: Fires can occur when you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring specialists, who can quickly call first responders. When seconds count, it's nice to realize that someone is always looking out for your residence.
  • Pairs with home automation: Although the primary task of a fire alarm is to recognize dangerous situations and notify monitoring agents, it can also join forces with other automated components. For instance, a triggered alarm could prompt your system to start the exhaust fan to hinder the spread of fire or turn on lighting so you can locate the best path out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are an important aspect of a complete smart home

The simplest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint specialist today and find the most suitable smart home for your requirements. Call (419) 614-6227 or submit the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.