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

In the Dothan smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, one component rises over the other. Smoke detectors are a vital line of defense in protecting your residence from fire, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms have more means to identify a fire and can reach out to your support team when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a security system also results in many extra perks that your regular smoke detectors would only dream about.

Your regular smoke alarms in Dothan could be falling short

Protecting your home from fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform a critical part in shielding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. To illustrate, they will only detect smoke, not high temps. When there is an emergency in your home, you might not be alerted until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are additional unmistakable indications of fire -- like a sudden heat increase -- if there's no smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep if they detect enough smoke. When a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be cautioned until it's too late. Some smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, meaning they will detect smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. Then when they do go off, it falls to the occupant to notify first responders after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than ordinary smoke detectors

Although they have a similar appearance to traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When integrated to a complete home security system, they will:

• Identify fire with multi-sensor technology: Comparable to a standard smoke detector, your monitored device has the ability to activate from an active or passive fire. It will sound a high-decibel warning whenever it recognizes danger.

• Identify fire from a rapid heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm may even activate if it notices an uncommon fluctuation in temperature. Typically, heat arrives before smoke. Having additional methods to detect a fire leads to additional means to safeguard your family.

• Alerts trained monitoring agents: Fires may take place when you are on site or somewhere else. Regardless, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring team, who can swiftly call emergency services. When seconds count, it's great to have the knowledge that somebody is constantly looking out for your house.

• Connects to home automation: While the chief purpose of a fire alarm is to identify fire and call for help, it may also join forces with other automated components. For instance, a tripped alarm might induce your system to engage the exhaust fan to slow the flames or turn on lighting so you are able to find the quickest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are an important aspect 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 find the ideal smart home for your family. Call (334) 378-2166 or send in the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.