Home Security - Fire and Smoke Alarms

Fire alarms detect the presence of fire and smoke, but that's not all. They also alert occupants for evacuation purposes, notify emergency response authorities and even initiate procedures to slow or halt the spread of fire. There are a couple types...automated and manual. Automated systems will be triggered automatically upon detection whereas a manual system must be initiated by a person once the threat has been detected.


So how does one determine their fire alarm needs? There are a number of factors that will help you to determine this. Budget, building or Fire Marshal codes and even Homeowner's Association guidelines can play a role in arriving at your needs. Be mindful that insurance companies will provide discounted premiums for homeowner's who install some form of fire/smoke detection systems.


A basic system will utilize key components: power source, back-up power source, control panel, manual (pull lever) or automatic triggering device (smoke or fire alarm) and an audible/visual signaling device (this is the alarm and/or flashing lights).


Installing a smoke and fire detection system is a good start to protecting your home, it's contents and your loved ones. However, establishing a monitoring service is the critical "next step." For a monthly or annual fee, an alarm monitoring service will provide 24 hour per day support. When an alarm is activated, it will alert the monitoring service, typically via a computer interface. The alarm company will dispatch the proper emergency response teams (typically fire and police departments). In some instances, the monitoring company will also dispatch their own personnel.


There are a number of nationally recognized companies that specialize in the design, sale/lease and monitoring of fire alarms. Being a very competitive industry means that prices are generally quite reasonable. Take the time to secure a minimum of three estimates to insure you find a provider you're comfortable with. When hiring a full service alarm company, the homeowner will normally have an option to lease or purchase the equipment. Be diligent when considering which option is most practical.

How is Home Design Related to Home Security?

How is home design related to home security?

Some homeowners need more security than others. This is especially true for those who live in high-risk areas or those who live in homes that have not been security-proofed.

Every home should be constructed with security in mind. Security here means safety from possible intruders and from catastrophic events like fire and even robbery or break ins.

While there are homes that are really in need of security because of their locations, there are homes that require security because of their designs. These are homes that probably look good, made of glass which gives outsiders a good view of the goings on inside the home.

There are home designs that are aesthetically good but are the worse designs in terms of home security. A person who is having his home designed or constructed should consult a security expert before installing materials or home features that may put their lives in jeopardy.

Home security should be planned and installed as early as during the construction phase of the home. The engineers and the architects would do well to incorporate home security designs when planning the home and even when constructing it to make sure that the family can transfer and live in the home with their security already in place.

One of the home security measures that can already be incorporated in the home design is the alarm system of the whole house. The alarm system consists of wires, infrared rays which can be installed to make them look like regular fixtures of the home.

Of course, it would always be better to give all possible intruders a warning that this house is highly protected to make them think twice and perhaps change their minds before attempting to break in. However, a home security system would also be very valuable if possible intruders decide to break in and then find themselves in the middle of a loud shrill directly connected to the local police or security agents.

For people who aren't able to incorporate home security fixtures to their home design, there are security lighting fixtures that can be installed in an already completed home. These lighting fixtures serve as home security because when set, they can easily be turned on to light up when an intruder passes by a certain radius.

There are also alarms and automatic door locks that can be installed easily to secure the home from fire, intruders and unexpected guests.

Every homeowner should invest in a quality and dependable home security fixture and incorporate this in his home design to avoid the home security fixtures from sticking out like a sore thumb.