Are there differences between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Texarkana?

In the Texarkana smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s really only one champion. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense in protecting your place from fire, but they have some notable limitations. Conversely, monitored fire alarms provide more methods to detect an emergency and can contact your support team when the unthinkable happens. Linking your fire alarms to a security system also results in many additional advantages that your common smoke detectors can only wish for.

Traditional smoke alarms can only do one thing

Defending against fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform a critical part in keeping your family safe. Even so, smoke detectors have some limitations. To illustrate, they will only react to smoke, not extreme temperatures. If there is an emergency in your home, you would not be alerted before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are additional telltale indications of fire -- like a marked heat increase -- if there's no smoke, you will fail to get a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they detect ample smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be cautioned until the situation is out of hand. Some smoke detectors employ dual sensors, meaning they will detect smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. If they do go off, it's up to the occupant to contact the fire department after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

Although they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If integrated to a comprehensive home security system, they can:

• Detect fire with different sensor types: Like an ordinary smoke detector, your monitored component has the ability to activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will resonate a high-decibel warning when it perceives a hazardous situation.

• Identify fire from a abrupt rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm may even activate if it discerns an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat comes prior to smoke. Having additional means to detect a fire equates to more methods to protect your loved ones.

• Notifies your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires can happen when you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who are able to rapidly call first responders. When every moment matters, it's nice to know that someone is always looking out for your residence.

• Connects to home automation: Although the main task of a fire alarm is to identify dangerous situations and call for assistance, it may also integrate with other automated components. For example, a triggered alarm might induce your system to engage the exhaust fan to impede the spread of fire or turn on smart light bulbs so you may find the quickest exit out of the property.

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

The best method to get the most from your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint expert today and find the perfect smart home for your family. Call (870) 544-4225 or complete the form below to take the first step toward a safer property.