What's the difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in The Woodlands?

In the The Woodlands smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the better alternative"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an important first step in protecting your house from emergency situations, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more methods to detect an emergency and are able to contact help when disaster strikes. Connecting your fire alarms to a home security system also brings out various additional benefits that your common smoke detectors can only dream about.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in The Woodlands might be inadequate

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on an essential role in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have some shortcomings. For instance, they are only able to react to smoke, not high temps. When there is a fire in your home, you would not be alerted before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Even though there are additional telltale signals of fire -- including 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 beep if they find an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire begins slowly, you may not be cautioned until the situation is out of hand. Many smoke detectors use more than one sensor, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a blazing inferno and a more gradual burn. Then when they do go off, it's up to the occupant to notify the fire department after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

Although they have a similar appearance to traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. When integrated to a complete home security system, they are able to:

• Detect fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, your monitored device will trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will emit an easily audible alarm when it perceives danger.

• Identify fire from a rapid heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm can even activate if it senses an uncommon heat surge. Many times, heat arrives before smoke. Having additional methods to detect a fire means more methods to keep your family safe.

• Alerts trained monitoring agents: Fires may happen when you are on site or somewhere else. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who are able to rapidly place a call to emergency services. When every moment matters, it's comforting to have the knowledge that someone is always watching over your house.

• Integrates with home automation: Even though the chief purpose of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and request assistance, it can also integrate with other automated devices. For instance, a triggered alarm can make your system turn on the exhaust fan to slow the flames or trigger the lights so you can see the safest exit out of the house.

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

The easiest approach to optimize your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and customize the most suitable smart home for your family. Place a call to (346) 787-2806 or submit the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.