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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Augusta smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s only one victor. Smoke detectors are a vital first step in protecting your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have several shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms provide more means to identify an emergency and may contact a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also results in extra perks that your ordinary smoke detectors would only hope for.

Your regular smoke alarms in Augusta could be falling short

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play a critical part in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have their limitations. For example, they can only react to smoke, not extreme temperatures. When there is a fire in your home, you would not be warned before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are additional telltale signals of fire -- including a marked increase in warmth -- if you don’t have smoke, you will fail to get a triggered smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. When a fire begins slowly, you might not be alerted until the situation is out of hand. Some smoke detectors utilize more than one sensor, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. Whenever they start beeping, it’s required of the homeowner to notify first responders after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

Even though they have a similar appearance to standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When integrated to a total home security system, they can:

  • Identify fire with different sensor types: Similar to an ordinary smoke detector, the monitored component will engage from an active or passive fire. It will emit a high-volume alarm when it perceives danger.
  • Discover fire from a sudden rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm will even activate if it senses an unusual fluctuation in temperature. Frequently, heat is noticed in advance of smoke. Added ways to uncover a fire equates to additional ways to safeguard your family.
  • Notifies professional monitoring representatives: Fires will take place when you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring specialists, who will rapidly call the fire department. When every moment matters, it's nice to realize that someone is constantly looking out for your house.
  • Connects to home automation: While the chief task of a fire alarm is to detect dangerous situations and call for monitoring agents, it will also connect to other automated devices. For instance, a activated alarm can prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to hinder the spread of fire or trigger lighting so you are able to locate the safest way out of the property.

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

The easiest way to get the most from your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint specialist today and discover the ideal smart home for your requirements. Call (706) 780-3805 or submit the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.