Smoke alarms – Help arrives quickly with quick emergency response
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, smoke alarms alerted US Fire Departments to more than 53% of home fires from 2009 to 2013. Smoke alarms can save lives and lower chances of dying in a fire by more than half. Majority of casualties resulting from fire in homes are a result of no smoke alarms in place or smoke alarms that don’t work. Even more important, 3 out of 5 deaths from home fires occurred in homes without working fire alarm systems.
Your home is your most valuable investment and inside your home are the most important things – life, possessions, and memories. It is therefore important to have a home fire alarm system in place to protect what you value most.
Our aim is to help you get the best home protection system within your budget conveniently and at no extra cost.
3homeprotectionquotes can give you free and affordable quotes from top security system providers so you don’t need to look too far.
How Will Smoke Detectors Protect You And Your Home?
Smoke and fire alarm systems can be professionally installed
Smoke alarms are essential components of a fire escape plan. Since fire spreads very quickly, smoke alarms are designed to alert you immediately of danger so you can get to safety as fast as you can.
It is important for smoke alarms to be installed correctly and that they are kept in working condition. When you sign up with a home security company, you can be assured that your smoke detectors are tested regularly. They are also monitored so batteries can be replaced when needed.
When smoke detectors are monitored, threats are always identified at the earliest possible time. You are alerted quickly and the fire department contacted. This immediate response will save the lives of your loved ones and help save your home from maximum damage.
Best Technologies For Smoke Alarms – Which Is Better?
Today, there are 2 popular smoke detection technologies – photoelectric and ionization.
Ionization smoke alarms are reactive to flames. They are provided with a minimum amount of radioactive material in between 2 electrically charged plates which ionizes the air and results in flow of current between these plates. Smoke disrupts ion flow, reduces the flow of current, and activates the alarm.
A photoelectric smoke alarm is reactive to smoldering fires, meaning fires that start with a long smoldering time. They are provided with a sensing chamber which, when smoke comes in, reflects light onto a sensor and triggers the alarm.
Every advantage you get out of your smoke alarm can save your life. As you can’t predict what could happen to your home, your fire alarm system should perform in an acceptable standard for both types of fires and give you early warning in the day or night.
It is important for every household to have a fire escape plan with a fire alarm system. You can learn more from tips and safety precautions about fire provided by the National Fire Protection Agency, a global non-profit organization that works to reduce death, injury and property losses from fires and electrical related risks.
Best Tips For Installing And Maintaining Fire Alarm Systems
Installing smoke detectors can save your life and your property
Canadian homeowners lose millions of dollars each year because of home fires. Some of these homeowners are more fortunate than others because they had protection from a reliable fire alarm system.
It is very important to have a sufficient number of smoke alarms installed in your property. Research shows that modern furniture, due to the nature of materials used, allow fires to spread very quickly. When you have the right number of smoke detectors in place, you can be quickly alerted to potential fire and allow you to evacuate sooner than later. The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code recommends a minimum number of smoke alarms to be placed in every sleeping area of the home. Larger properties require more smoke alarms.
For homeowners who are interested in installing smoke alarms as a DIY project, below are some steps to take when installing smoke alarms:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom and on each floor of the home, including your basement.
- Areas without sleeping areas that require smoke alarms include the bedroom, den, and the stairway on both lower and upper levels.
- Install smoke alarms at least 3 meters away from cooking appliances to reduce false alarms.
- Smoke alarms should be mounted high on ceilings or walls since smoke rises.
- Never install smoke alarms near doors, windows, or ducts where draft could hinder smoke detection.
- Enhance protection from smoke alarms by interconnecting them so that they all sound in the presence of smoke. This can be done with the use of wireless technology or hard-wiring.
- It is advisable to use smoke alarms from the same manufacturer, particularly for purposes of interconnection. This ensures they are compatible.
- Smoke alarms must be replaced no later than 10 years after manufacture. This information can be found at the back of the alarm. Further, you must replace any smoke alarm that does not respond during testing.
How Security Companies Provide Effective Fire Alarm Systems
24/7 Monitoring Center provides real time and quick emergency response
Technologically- advanced smoke and heat detectors allow trained security professionals to alert the fire department of a potential fire hazard in your home, regardless if you are home or not.
When you decide to have a professional security company provide a fire protection system in your property, they will install the recommended number of fire alarm sensors and smoke detectors in essential areas of your house. At the slightest smoke, the fire alarm will sound and a security monitoring center is alerted. Even deep sleepers will be awakened by the siren that will sound when the alarm is triggered. This allows anyone in the property to evacuate to safety. The monitoring center immediately notifies the fire department about the emergency for quick response.
Automation systems are also programmed to react even if you aren’t home. In the event sensors detect fire, doors can be unlocked for easy access by the Fire Department and turn off the air-conditioning system to slow down circulation of smoke.
Nobody ever likes to think something bad will happen but in real life, bad things do happen. For only a few dollars, you can keep everything you have safe from fire.
A fire alarm system works in conjunction with a comprehensive home security system to protect your property and your family from all kinds of threats.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems – Working in tandem to save your life and your home
We know you want to have fire alarm system in your home as soon as possible. To help you make the best decision without delay, we have prepared a few frequently asked questions by homeowners.
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How do I manage my home security system and fire alarm if I am away?
The most modern and innovative home security systems today can be accessed and managed using mobile device technology. You can get real time alerts by video, text message, or email wherever you are so you have peace of mind at all times.
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What happens if the alarm system is accidentally triggered or in case of false alarms?
Majority of security companies contact the homeowner before calling the police or fire department to rule out false alarms and avoid unnecessary dispatches. You can also contact your monitoring center to inform them of a false alarm and request assistance.
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Can I change security company for monitoring services after installation?
If you want to change security company for any reason, you can ask for monitoring service from other providers. Take note, however, that most companies would require a lock-in period after installation.
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Can I get a fire alarm system even if I don’t have a landline?
There are companies that provide fire alarm system with monitoring even to homeowners without landlines. Home security systems can work with cellular technology wherein a cellular signal is sent to the monitoring center when your alarm is triggered.
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Is there a difference between a fire alarm and a fire alarm system?
A fire alarm is a device that sends out a sound signal to warn of possible fire. A fire alarm system is a number of devices that work in tandem to provide audio and visual warning signals. These devices can be triggered by heat and smoke detectors.
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Which is better – wireless or hard-wired system?
There are several things to consider before making your choice. The construction and lay-out of your premises is one factor. For instance, wireless devices must be able to communicate with the alarm panel and walls can block wireless signals and prevent a wireless system for working effectively. If you prefer a hard-wired system, the location must allow for wiring and you can also consider the labor that will be involved in wiring the alarm.
The important thing is to ensure that whichever you choose meets your present requirements and can be expanded to meet your changing security needs. -
Do I need monitoring?
In most cases, the Ontario Building Code or the Ontario Fire Code may require monitoring of a fire alarm system, especially for buildings. Violators may be fined for violations of the National Standard for Canada. For residences, it is advisable to have monitoring when the property is large or frequently unoccupied.
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How much does monitoring cost?
Majority of monitoring agreements is from 1-2 years. Security companies may ask you to sign even a 4 or 5 year agreement. Monitoring costs vary from one company to another and could be for as low as $15 to more than $100. It all depends on the type of home security system you have, whether you purchased your equipment outright or leased it.
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Is it true that homeowner’s insurance premiums can cost less when there is a fire alarm system in the property?
Majority of insurance companies appreciate the value of having a fire alarm system to reduce risks and provide lesser premiums on homeowner’s insurance.
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What happens with our fire alarm system if we suddenly decide to move?
Depending on the type of alarm system and contract you have with your provider, some companies can relocate your fire alarm system to your new home. If you are selling your property, another option is to make the security hardware and agreement part of the sale which will be a huge advantage for the new owners.
Protect your most valuable possessions with a home fire alarm system
When it comes to fire, every second can spell a huge difference between life and death, and saving your property.
When a fire hits, it could take everything away from you. The best way to prevent this from happening is to prepare for it with the best fire alarm system within your budget.
3homeprotectionquotes can help you find the best fire alarm system that can protect your family and your home.
Request for your free home security system quotes today. No cost, no obligation. Speak to a security expert for your individual security needs with just a click of a button.
We do the work for you so you can sit back and consider your best options for protecting your home against fire, theft, and other hazards.