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Is Your Security System Prepared to Respond to a Fire?
Is Your Security System Prepared to Respond to a Fire?
According to Minnesota building codes, all homes built after 2003 are required to have multiple smoke alarms installed. There needs to be one in the main corridor as well as in each sleeping room, and these must be interconnected so if one goes off, they all go off. While these basic requirements can help to prevent tragic disasters, are there other ways you could be preparing your home? In this blog, we explain how linking your smoke detectors and alarms to your home security system can help you protect your Minnetonka property in case of a fire.
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Make Sure Smoke Detectors are Properly Installed
Aside from the general building guidelines mentioned above, there are a few more things to take into account when adding smoke detectors. If you’re in a multi-level home, you also need to have one installed on every level. If the house was built after 1989, Minnesota code mandates that this detector be linked to your primary wiring and also include a battery backup. When installing your smoke detectors, you should have your security technician present to make sure they’re working properly. Most smoke detectors include a test setting so you can make sure they’re working without setting off a false alarm. Your technician will spray smoke at the detector while it’s in test mode, then check to see that the alarm goes off and that their central monitoring station is notified.
Integrate Additional Environmental Detectors
There are other environmental sensors that you should include in your home security system to protect your family. The ones most closely associated with smoke detectors are carbon monoxide detectors. These are also a requirement in any home according to Minnesota building codes. By linking your CO detectors to a smart security system, you are notified as soon as a leak is present so you can react quickly. Beyond the traditional alarm, you receive a notification on your phone letting you know there’s a leak and exactly where it was detected. You can contact the authorities then look in on live surveillance footage to make sure no one is in the area.
Be Notified Immediately in Case of a Fire
Perhaps the biggest benefit of integrating your smoke detectors into a security system is to make sure everyone knows as soon as possible that something is wrong. When the detector goes off, you and the necessary authorities will be notified immediately. You choose how you want to be notified. You can have the fire alarm broadcast through your existing audio system so it’s heard clearly by the entire family. In case you’re not home, you can also receive an email or a push notification on your phone.
Make It Easy to Evacuate Your Home
If there is a fire in your home, you need to have a quick way of evacuating. The first step is having a clear-cut evacuation plan that you practice regularly, so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. You can also have your home security system assist you so you can get out quickly. In a major fire, it can take just five minutes for an entire home to be engulfed in flames. As smoke fills the space, it becomes difficult to see your surroundings. Through your home security system, you can make sure that all your lights turn on and doors unlock as soon as the fire alarm goes off. You can even integrate flashing lights that guide the way to your prepared evacuation path.
Make sure you’re doing everything possible to keep your family safe and reduce the risk of property damage. Contact Lelch AV to see which fire prevention strategies make the most sense for your home.