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

In the Baltimore smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, there’s really only one winner. Smoke detectors are a vital consideration in protecting your house from emergency situations, but they have some notable shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more ways to identify an emergency and are able to notify a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in additional perks that your ordinary smoke detectors would only hope for.

Your traditional smoke alarms in Baltimore could be inadequate

Defending against fire is important, and smoke detectors play a critical role in keeping your family safe. Even so, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. To illustrate, they can only detect smoke, not heat. If there is a fire in your home, you might not be alerted until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Although there are some other unmistakable indications of fire -- including a sudden heat increase -- if there's no smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep if they encounter ample smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you may not be warned until it's too late. Various smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, which means they will detect smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. Whenever they do go off, it falls to the homeowner to contact first responders after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than standard smoke detectors

Although they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If linked to a comprehensive home security installation, they are able to:

• Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a standard smoke detector, this monitored alarm will trigger from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will emit a high-decibel beeping if it senses danger.

• Identify fire due to a sudden heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm will even go off if it notices an unusual increase in heat. Many times, heat arrives prior to smoke. Added means to detect a fire means extra methods to protect your loved ones.

• Notifies professional monitoring agents: Fires may occur whether you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who can rapidly place a call to emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's comforting to know that somebody is consistently watching over your home.

• Connects to home automation: Although the main job of a fire alarm is to identify dangerous situations and request assistance, it can also connect to other automated components. For example, a activated alarm might induce your system to engage the exhaust fan to impede the flames or turn on the lights so you are able to see the safest exit out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a comprehensive smart home

The best way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and discover the most suitable smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (410) 231-7697 or submit the form on this page to begin.