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Are there differences between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Milwaukee?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Milwaukee smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, one alarm rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are an essential consideration in shielding your place from fire, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms provide more means to identify a potentially dangerous situation and can reach out to a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers many additional benefits that your ordinary smoke detectors would only dream about.

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

Protecting your home from fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on an essential role in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have their limitations. For example, they can only detect smoke, not extreme temperatures. If there is a blaze starting in your house, you would not be alerted unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are some other unmistakable signs of fire -- including a sharp rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep if they find ample smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be cautioned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors use dual sensors, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. If they start beeping, it's up to the resident to notify the fire department after safely leaving the residence.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

Even though they look like standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When integrated to a complete home security installation, they can:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Similar to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored alarm will engage from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will sound an easily audible warning if it perceives danger.
  • Discover fire due to a rapid rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm may also trigger if it senses an unusual fluctuation in temperature. Many times, heat is noticed in advance of smoke. Added means to uncover a fire means more methods to keep your family safe.
  • Notifies trained monitoring agents: Fires can take place whether you are on site or somewhere else. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who will quickly place a call to first responders. When seconds count, it's comforting to know that a trained professional is consistently watching over your house.
  • Connects to home automation: While the main purpose of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and request monitoring agents, it can also join forces with other automated equipment. To illustrate, a tripped alarm could make your system start the exhaust fan to impede the fire or trigger smart light bulbs so you can locate the best exit out of the property.

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

The simplest approach to optimize your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint expert today and discover the ideal smart home for your family. Call (414) 409-5889 or send in the form on this page to begin.