Blog

Do Smoke Detectors Call the Fire Department?

February 11, 2021|fsstechnologies

One of the most asked questions about fire alarm systems is whether smoke detectors call the fire department. The belief that a smoke detector or fire alarm will automatically activate the fire department or send a signal to local first responders is a common misunderstanding. While some systems may be integrated with monitoring services, that’s not always the case.

fire can become life-threatening in as little as two minutes, so building occupants must act quickly to stay safe. An incorrect understanding of a structure’s fire alarm system can have significant consequences for properties and people. Homeowners and business owners must know what their system will do in each scenario to ensure they create and follow effective response plans.

How do smoke detectors work?

Smoke detectors are an essential part of any residential or commercial fire alarm system. Using different types of sensors and power sources, they serve as a system’s first line of defense against potential fires. Often combined or paired with carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors emit light or sound to notify the people within the building of a fire. Generally, smoke detectors alone don’t contact the fire department or other emergency services.

How do fire alarm systems work?

The two main types of fire alarm systems, manual and automatic, use different triggers to alert a building’s inhabitants of a potential fire. A manual system depends on pull stations or other human input, while an automatic system uses sensors. If interconnected or wired smoke detectors are used, one tripped sensor can set off an entire system. Many commercial buildings are also equipped with fire suppression systems that will be triggered in the early stages of any fire warning signals.

What is fire alarm monitoring?

In structures without alarm monitoring services, the occupants must activate the system, contact the proper authorities, and notify everyone within the building. If a system is monitored, it can be self-monitored or professionally monitored. With self-monitoring, the owner of a commercial or residential alarm system must check for and address any alerts.

Professional monitoring elevates a system’s safety by involving a company of experts who check around the clock for notifications. In the event of a triggered alarm, a monitoring company can contact local emergency services. Monitoring personnel can even provide details about the location’s system and where the fire is to first responders.

Is fire alarm monitoring mandatory?

In some places, fire codes and regulations from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) may require monitoring of fire systems in commercial and residential buildings. These services ensure that false alarms, emergencies, and other issues are handled promptly and appropriately. Whether monitoring is required or optional, it’s a beneficial component to add to any fire alarm system.

Does alarm monitoring completely handle fire safety?

While alarms and monitoring are part of your fire system, a fire safety plan is one of the most essential elements of any emergency response system. Educational resources, from online fact sheets to local fire department resources, can be significantly helpful for employees and homeowners alike. Over all else, a comprehensive emergency action plan is especially vital to promoting fire and life safety.

Elevate your systems with FSS Technologies

When it comes to protecting your home or business, the team at FSS is a cut above the rest. With knowledge of fire safety codes and equipment from vendors like Kidde, we help our clients protect what matters most. Our monitoring capabilities use AES mesh radio networks that create dependable, efficient monitoring systems, and we help you develop a call list to let monitoring personnel share alerts and contact the appropriate emergency response professionals.

If you’re interested in enhancing the fire safety and security of your home or business, contact our expert service techs today!

Explore Our Other Blogs

fire-alarm-system-zones-hero-min

What Are Fire Alarm System Zones?

Fire alarm zones are standard in conventional fire panels. Each zone represents a different area in the building to help firefighters and professionals pinpoint the source of an alarm. However, it can be confusing to research fire alarm zones because they are not as common as they once were. Conventional and addressable systems handle communication for fire…

Continue reading
Hero-smoke

What are the Different Types of Smoke Detectors?

Smoke detectors are vital to fire safety for homes and businesses. Because they protect lives from fires or gas leaks, it’s essential to choose the best detector for your environment. There are various options to choose from, meaning you need to understand the benefits each one offers before making a selection. Learn more about the…

Continue reading
2020-01_FSSTechnologies_blogs_senior-citizen_hero

Best Security System Setups for Senior Citizens

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of senior citizens want to stay in their homes as they age even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Unfortunately, criminals often target senior citizens as victims. Thieves assume older people will not be able…

Continue reading
dome-vs-bullet-cameras-hero-min

What is the Difference Between Dome Cameras and Bullet Cameras?

Security cameras are an integral part of a security system in any home or business. They give you access to a video stream of what is happening inside a building or on your property while also giving the owner the ability to look back on footage if necessary. There are many different types of CCTV cameras out…

Continue reading
2019-05_FSSTechnologies_blogs_advantages-of-having-an-alarm-system_hero-min

Advantages of Having an Alarm System

There are a lot of advantages to having an alarm system. For starters, the National Council for Home Safety and Security says that homes without an alarm system are three times as likely to get burglarized.   3 Benefits of Alarm Systems

Continue reading
Hero-inspection-min

What Matters in a Fire Alarm Inspection?

At FSS Technologies, we understand that safety and reliability are paramount when it comes to fire alarm systems. While installing commercial fire safety systems is a critical first step in protecting your business, your efforts can’t stop there. Fire alarm inspections are just as necessary to ensure your building is prepared for emergencies. Learn about what…

Continue reading
Hero-motiondetec

Motion Detector Installation Basics

Motion detection devices are a crucial component of any security system, commercial or residential. They allow owners to cover a relatively large amount of space with a small number of devices. Motion detectors also are known to detect activity that window sensors might miss. When it comes time to install motion detection devices, remember these…

Continue reading
Hero-smoke

Winter Fire and Security System Maintenance Tips

Winter weather often comes with operational headaches and hazards for business owners. Long periods of cold temperatures and snowfall can impact companies in different ways, from reducing foot traffic to extending process timelines. One of the most noticeable impacts is an uptick in fire safety and security device issues, especially if you have yet to…

Continue reading
Hero-min

How Poor Security Can Cost Your Business

Poor security practices have hidden costs With the many expenses that business owners must juggle for day-to-day operations, security often falls by the wayside. Even though it seems like an easy way to save money, the cost of handling a break-in can surpass the money you’d spend on installing and maintaining a security system. Here…

Continue reading
8-home-security-tips-Hero-min

8 Home Security Tips

With more than 45 years of experience in the home and business security industry, here are our top eight tips for discouraging intruders and burglars from targeting your home. 1. Create the illusion that someone is at your house. If you are going to be gone for an extended time, leave a light or TV…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us