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Is there a difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Long Island?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Long Island smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s easily only one winner. Smoke detectors are an important consideration in shielding your place from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms provide more means to identify a fire and may notify a monitoring team when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in various extra advantages that your regular smoke detectors could only wish for.

Your regular smoke alarms in Long Island may be inadequate

Protecting your home from fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play an essential role in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. To illustrate, they are only able to react to smoke, not high temps. In the event there is a blaze starting in your house, you might not be cautioned before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are additional telltale signs of fire -- such as a sudden heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep when they find enough smoke. If a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be warned until the situation is out of hand. Some smoke detectors utilize dual sensors, which means they will be able to perceive smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. If they do go off, it falls to the resident to call the fire department after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than standard smoke detectors

Even though they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If linked to a complete home security installation, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with multi-sensor technology: Comparable to an ordinary smoke detector, your monitored alarm will activate from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound an easily audible warning if it senses danger.
  • Discover fire from a abrupt rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm can even trigger if it discerns an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat arrives before smoke. Having additional ways to uncover a fire leads to more ways to protect your loved ones.
  • Notifies trained monitoring representatives: Fires may happen when you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring specialists, who will quickly contact first responders. When every moment matters, it's great to realize that somebody is consistently looking out for your residence.
  • Connects to home automation: Although the primary job of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and request monitoring agents, it may also join forces with other automated equipment. To illustrate, a tripped alarm might make your system start the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or trigger the lights so you can locate the safest way out of the house.

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

The simplest approach to get the most from your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and customize the most suitable smart home for your needs. Call (631) 502-4004 or submit the form below to begin.