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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Bend smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s only one victor. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in guarding your place from emergency situations, but they have several drawbacks. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms have more means to identify an emergency and are able to reach out to a monitoring team when the unthinkable happens. Linking your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also results in many additional perks that your common smoke detectors could only dream about.

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

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors perform a vital part in safeguarding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have some shortcomings. To illustrate, they are only able to detect smoke, not heat. If there is a blaze starting in your home, you would not be alerted until the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Even though there are some other telltale indications of fire -- such as a marked increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only activate if they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be warned until the situation is out of hand. Various smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, meaning they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and smoldering remnants. Whenever they do go off, it's up to the resident to notify the fire department after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than standard smoke detectors

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

  • Identify fire with multi-sensor technology: Like a standard smoke detector, the monitored device can activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will sound a high-volume alarm if it perceives danger.
  • Detect fire due to a abrupt rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm may also go off if it discerns an uncommon heat surge. Frequently, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Added means to uncover a fire equates to additional ways to keep your family safe.
  • Warns your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires will happen when you are at your house or not. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who can quickly call the fire department. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's nice to know that somebody is consistently keeping a watch of your residence.
  • Connects to home automation: While the main job of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and call for assistance, it can also integrate with other automated equipment. For instance, a tripped alarm might make your system start the exhaust fan to slow the fire or initiate smart light bulbs so you may find the safest way out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a comprehensive smart home

The easiest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and customize the most suitable smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (541) 327-4968 or send in the form below to begin.