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Is there a difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Washington DC?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Washington DC smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, one component rises above the other. Smoke detectors are an essential line of defense in guarding your place from a dangerous blaze, but they have several limitations. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more means to discover an emergency and are able to notify help in the event of a disaster. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also delivers additional advantages that your regular smoke detectors would only wish for.

The drawbacks of standard smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play a critical role in keeping your family safe. However, smoke detectors have various limitations. For example, they will only react to smoke, not high temps. When there is an emergency in your home, you may not be cautioned until the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Even though there are additional unmistakable indications of fire -- such as a sudden rise in heat -- if there's no smoke, you won’t have a warning from your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they find an adequate amount of smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you may not be warned until it's too late. Some smoke detectors utilize more than one sensor, which means they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. Whenever they do go off, it’s required of the homeowner to contact emergency services after safely leaving the premises.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than regular smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If integrated to a complete home security installation, they will:

  • Discern fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, your monitored alarm has the ability to engage from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will emit a high-volume alarm if it senses a hazardous situation.
  • Discover fire due to a abrupt heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm will also activate if it discerns an uncommon fluctuation in temperature. Typically, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Having additional methods to identify a fire means extra means to keep your family safe.
  • Warns your dedicated monitoring representatives: Fires can occur when you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who will swiftly call emergency services. When seconds count, it's great to have the knowledge that a trained professional is constantly watching over your home.
  • Pairs with home automation: While the main job of a fire alarm is to recognize fire and request assistance, it may also connect to other automated equipment. For example, a triggered alarm could induce your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the fire or trigger smart light bulbs so you may see the safest path out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a comprehensive smart home

The best approach to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and customize the perfect smart home for your needs. Place a call to (202) 780-3214 or send in the following form to begin.