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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Roanoke smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, one device rises over the other. Smoke detectors are a vital line of defense in shielding your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more means to detect a fire and are able to notify your support team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers various extra perks that your ordinary smoke detectors would only hope for.

The limitations of traditional smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors perform a critical part in safeguarding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For instance, they can only react to smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is an emergency in your house, you may not be alerted unless the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Although there are additional significant signals of fire -- including a sudden heat increase -- if there’s a lack of smoke, there is no sounding of your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they find enough smoke. In the event a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until it's too late. Many smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, meaning they will be able to perceive smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. Whenever they do go off, it's up to the occupant to contact emergency services after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than ordinary smoke detectors

Even though they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When linked to a total home security system, they can:

  • Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Like an ordinary smoke detector, your monitored alarm will trigger from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will resonate an easily audible alarm whenever it senses a potential disaster.
  • Discover fire due to a rapid heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm can also trigger if it discerns an uncommon fluctuation in temperature. Many times, heat comes prior to smoke. Added means to identify a fire leads to additional ways to safeguard your family.
  • Notifies trained monitoring specialists: Fires can take place whether you are at your house or not. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who can swiftly contact emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to realize that someone is consistently keeping a watch of your home.
  • Integrates with home automation: While the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and notify monitoring agents, it may also join forces with other automated devices. For instance, a triggered alarm could induce your system to start the exhaust fan to impede the flames or trigger the lights so you are able to see the safest path out of the property.

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

The simplest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and customize the ideal smart home for your needs. Call (540) 340-9398 or send in the form below to take the first step toward a safer property.