Frequently Asked Questions About Security System Fire Protection
After being in the industry since the late 90’s, I have had many conversations with homeowners about fire protection. There are many misconceptions about the need to install smoke detectors and thermal heat detectors on a security system. Many homeowners ask, “Why should I pay for smoke detectors for your system if I have them in my house already?” Another frequent question is, “Can we use the ones I have already on your security system?” Hopefully the information that follows will help answer these and other questions.
Existing Hardwired or Wireless Smoke Detectors
Many homes are already equipped with smoke detectors that were installed during construction, or wireless smoke detectors that were installed by the previous owner. Both of these are great to have because they detect smoke and will sound an alarm that will alert you so that you can get out of the house safely. Unfortunately, they cannot reap the benefits of a security system. Wireless security system smoke detectors, heat detectors and CO detectors must be from the manufacturer of the security system in order for them to communicate effectively with the security system. All detectors are learned into the control panel “brain” of the security system and “speaks” it’s specific digital language. As for hardwired smoke detectors, heat detectors and CO detectors, they must be designed for security systems in order to be directly wired into the control panel “brain” of the security system.
Top 3 Benefits of Having Fire Protection
We will notify the fire department automatically, even when you are not home.
When we receive a signal from your system indicating a fire, we dispatch the fire department immediately. Many fires occur when the property is empty. A variety of causes are possible and if no one is home, there is no one to call the fire department. Pets cannot dial 911.
Fire protection is always on.
You do not have to “Arm” your fire protection. It is programmed as a 24-hour device and designated as fire protection. If you leave your home in a hurry and forget to arm the system for intrusion protection, the fire protection is still on.
It increases your insurance discount.
Many insurance providers will give you an added discount for having monitored fire protection installed in your home. They understand that this will, in many cases, reduce their loss and potentially save lives. We provide all of our customers with an insurance certificate that indicates the type of system and equipment installed. Insurance companies will require you to give them this to get any discounts.
Customer Testimonial – August 2015
“If it had not been for the alarms from John’s Brother Security through our home, we would have died! We only had about 10 seconds to exit after the alarms went off and we feel this was not sufficient time of warning! No one came to our door with any warning when the fire trucks had been outside our house. No one thought that anyone was inside, so by God’s Grace and your alarms saved our lives.”
-Barbara K.Corolla, NC