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

In the Birmingham smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, there’s easily only one champion. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in protecting your place from fire, but they have several shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to detect a fire and are able to notify help when the unthinkable happens. Linking your fire alarms to a security system also results in other advantages that your regular smoke detectors would only wish for.

Your regular smoke alarms in Birmingham may be falling short

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors play a vital role in keeping your family safe. Even so, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For instance, they will only react to smoke, not extreme temperatures. If there is a fire in your home, you may not be warned until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are additional significant signals of fire -- such as a sharp rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only activate when they find enough smoke. When a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be cautioned until it's too late. Some smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, which means they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. Then when they do go off, it's up to the occupant to call emergency services after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

Even though they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If connected to a total home security package, they can:

• Discern fire with different sensor types: Comparable to an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored device can trigger from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will sound a high-decibel alarm whenever it senses danger.

• Detect fire from a rapid rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm may even go off if it senses an uncommon increase in heat. Frequently, heat arrives prior to smoke. Having additional ways to detect a fire leads to more ways to keep your family safe.

• Warns trained monitoring representatives: Fires can happen when you are on site or somewhere else. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who can quickly call emergency services. When seconds count, it's great to have the knowledge that somebody is always keeping a watch of your house.

• Integrates with home automation: Although the main task of a fire alarm is to identify dangerous situations and request assistance, it will also connect to other automated equipment. To illustrate, a tripped alarm could induce your system to start the exhaust fan to impede the spread of fire or initiate the lights so you can find the best exit out of the house.

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

The easiest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and find the perfect smart home for your requirements. Call (205) 973-4125 or complete the form below to take the first step toward a safer property.