Is there a difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Cedar Rapids?

In the Cedar Rapids smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, there’s really only one champion. Smoke detectors are an important first step in protecting your residence from emergency situations, but they have a few concerning limitations. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms have more methods to detect a fire and can notify a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Connecting your fire alarms to a home security system also results in additional benefits that your regular smoke detectors would only hope for.

Your regular smoke alarms in Cedar Rapids may be falling short

Defending against fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on an essential role in keeping your family safe. However, smoke detectors have their drawbacks. For example, they are only able to detect smoke, not high temps. When there is a fire in your residence, you might not be warned unless the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are additional significant signals of fire -- including a sharp heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep when they find enough smoke. If a fire starts small, you might not be warned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors employ dual sensors, meaning they will detect smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. Whenever they do go off, it's up to the homeowner to contact the fire department after safely leaving the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

Even though they have a similar appearance to regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If connected to a complete home security package, they can:

• Detect fire with different sensor types: Similar to a standard smoke detector, this monitored component can trigger from an active or passive fire. It will resonate a high-volume warning when it perceives danger.

• Discover fire with a sudden temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm will even activate if it discerns an abnormal heat surge. Typically, heat comes prior to smoke. More ways to identify a fire leads to extra means to protect your loved ones.

• Notifies your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires may occur when you are home or away. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who can quickly place a call to the fire department. When every moment matters, it's great to realize that someone is consistently looking out for your home.

• Integrates with home automation: Even though the chief purpose of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and notify assistance, it may also integrate with other automated components. For instance, a tripped alarm could make your system turn on the exhaust fan to impede the flames or initiate the lights so you may locate the safest exit out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a comprehensive smart home

The simplest method to optimize your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and find the ideal smart home for your requirements. Diall (319) 419-4827 or send in the form below to take the first step toward a safer property.