Fire Alarm Monitoring: Does My Fire Alarm Need to be Monitored?

From the fear of safeguarding family to the immense structural damage, fires are one of the most devastating disasters home and business owners can face. Installing the right fire security measures saves lives in an emergency. Simply put, fire alarm monitoring offers more protection in a fire.

 

Traditional smoke detectors simply make noise, which is what they’re designed to do. But that only alerts anyone in the home or building of a possible fire, and that action may be required. Monitored fire alarms communicate with an alarm monitoring center, which can then take the next step to alert the fire department and first responders.

But when is fire alarm monitoring actually required?

When is Fire Alarm Monitoring Required?

Technically, fire alarm monitoring isn’t a legal requirement. However, most states have laws in place that require the presence of carbon monoxide detectors (whether they’re monitored or not) in homes and buildings in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and regulations.

 

In California, for instance, the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (SB-183) is a law that requires carbon monoxide detectors in all dwellings. In fact, the State Fire Marshal certifies and approves all carbon monoxide devices and their instructions for use.

 

Fire alarm monitoring meets all legal requirements for the presence of a carbon monoxide detector, with the added bonus of providing an extra layer of response.

Commercial Fire Systems

When it comes to protecting commercial buildings, there are generally more compliance measures required to properly protect people and property. The NFPA’s robust infrastructure of codes, standards, and guidelines address the fire protection needs of commercial buildings across industries in areas like:

 

• Building construction
• Design, installation, and maintenance of fire alarm systems (monitored or not)
• Sprinkler systems
• Emergency evacuation plans
• Potential electrical fire safety issues

At Post Alarm, our Fire Specialists design, engineer, and install a UL-approved fire detection system that complies with current NFPA code standards, as well as state and local fire authorities requirements. Advanced fire monitoring and suppression systems not only keep businesses protected and code-compliant but can also help control the early stages of a fire to avoid complete disaster.

General Fire Alarm Tips for Homeowners

The NFPA recommends that all homes have at least one smoke detector per level, in each bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. You should also test your fire alarms at least once per month and annually swap out batteries. Of course, if your alarm makes a “chirping” sound, indicating the battery needs to be replaced, you should do so immediately.

 

Depending on the design and installation of your fire alarm system and whether it is wired into your home’s electrical system, you may need to regularly check to see that the signal light is blinking and the alarm is active. If you’re unsure, contact your fire alarm provider.

Monitored vs Unmonitored Fire Alarm Systems

Time is of the essence during a fire. And the unfortunate truth is that too many individuals fall victim to easily avoidable disasters. A monitored fire alarm system buys precious time in an emergency, saving lives and property.

 

While traditional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors may activate effectively during a fire, if no one is home, the fire alarm can’t be heard, or individuals inside are already incapacitated, help cannot arrive. The alarm performs its job, yet no additional action steps occur.

Traditional (Unmonitored) Fire Alarms

• A beeping alarm alerts anyone within hearing range
• If you’re not home, you may not know what’s going on
• If you or someone at home is injured, it may be difficult or impossible to call for help
• First responders arrive too late or not at all

Monitored fire alarm systems ensure that first responders are quickly alerted to an emergency and can be on the scene within minutes, even when you’re not home or unable to hear the fire alarm.

Monitored Fire Alarms

• A beeping alarm alerts anyone within hearing range
• You receive mobile notification of a triggered alarm
• Our Central Monitoring Station is notified and assesses the situation
• First responders are dispatched quickly in an emergency

Benefits of Fire Alarm Monitoring

Conventional smoke alarms are an important safety measure, but they only alert those within earshot of potential danger. From there, individuals must take the next steps to safety. However, they may be unable or unequipped to do so when every second counts.

 

What if no one is home? What if you or someone you love is trapped or struggling with smoke inhalation and unable to reach the phone?

 

Fire alarm monitoring accelerates critical action during an emergency. Here’s how it works:

• Post Alarm’s monitored smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide equipment detect the first sign of fire or carbon monoxide.
• Our UL-listed central monitoring station is alerted. They assess the situation and alert you to the emergency.
• At the same time, our monitoring agents immediately notify and dispatch fire department authorities and first responders.

With monitored fire alarms, first responders are dispatched and arrive on the scene within minutes, saving valuable time in an emergency. Those precious minutes can save lives and properties and prevent the unimaginable.

Smart Home Integration

Monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors pair perfectly with other smart home features and greatly enhance your home’s automation. With real-time notifications of unusual activities or potential emergencies, you can quickly respond and take action.

Why Choose Post Alarm for Fire Alarm Monitoring

At Post Alarm, we’re your one-stop shop for fire alarm monitoring in Southern California. When you choose us for monitored fire alarm systems, you can count on the following:

 

• Custom design and installation from our fire safety specialists ensure you have the right number and placement of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors in the right areas of your home.
• 24/7 local monitoring from our award-winning, UL-listed, owned, and operated monitoring and dispatch facility.
• Professional alarm monitoring enables swift and decisive action regarding alarm events, meaning we can immediately dispatch local fire departments and our Patrol Team to the scene.

Fully integrated security from Post Alarm, including alarm and video monitoring, smoke and fire detection, smart home technology, and patrol, all working together, results in earlier threat detection and synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters the most.

 

At Post Alarm, we’ve always been a local, family-owned company, and we plan on staying that way. As a privately held, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm on a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area providing professionally installed, fully integrated, customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom fire alarm monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!