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Are there differences between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in New Orleans?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the New Orleans smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one alarm rises above the rest. Smoke detectors are an important consideration in shielding your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have several limitations. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms provide more means to identify a fire and are able to reach out to help in the event of a disaster. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also brings out many extra perks that your regular smoke detectors could only dream about.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in New Orleans could be falling short

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on an essential role in keeping your family safe. Even so, smoke detectors have some limitations. To illustrate, they can only identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. When there is a fire in your house, you would not be warned before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are further telltale indications of fire -- including a sudden increase in warmth -- if there's no smoke, you will fail to get a warning from your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only beep when they encounter ample smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you may not be alerted until it's too late. Many smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, which means they will recognize smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. Then when they do go off, it's up to the occupant to notify emergency services after they safely leave the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

Although they look about the same as standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When linked to a complete home security package, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a traditional smoke detector, the monitored component will engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will emit a high-decibel beeping if it senses danger.
  • Detect fire from a rapid rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm will even trigger if it notices an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat comes prior to smoke. More means to uncover a fire means more ways to keep your family safe.
  • Notifies professional monitoring agents: Fires may take place when you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring team, who are able to rapidly contact the fire department. When every moment matters, it's great to have the knowledge that someone is consistently looking out for your home.
  • Integrates with home automation: While the main job of a fire alarm is to identify fire and call for help, it may also integrate with other automated devices. For instance, a triggered alarm can make your system start the exhaust fan to hinder the spread of fire or trigger smart light bulbs so you may locate the best path out of the property.

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

The simplest way to optimize your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and find the most suitable smart home for your needs. Call (504) 285-9448 or send in the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.