Fires are responsible for $7.2 billion in property damage per year and the loss of thousands of lives. Having a fire alarm system is your first line of defense against fires.

There are many things to consider when choosing the best fire alarm system for your needs. You have many choices in fire alarm providers and the option of buying alarm systems online.

There are also many different types of alarms with different alarm system features. Not only that, installing alarm systems is a challenge in itself. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Basic Types of Alarms

From the common smoke detector to the pull-activated alarm system found at many schools and worksites, there are many different alarm system options. For the common residential home, a smoke detector might suffice well enough.

That said, you need to make sure that your smoke detector is maintained, in working order, and has new batteries. State and federal laws require you to have a smoke detector in your home.

You should make sure to have a smoke detector on every floor of your house. You may also want to think about installing carbon monoxide detectors as well.

Testing your smoke detector on a regular basis is the best way to ensure that it will operate at its peak efficiency and keep you safe.

If you are looking for alarms for a larger facility or institution, the common smoke detector may not be enough. In this case, you should think about installing a pull-activated alarm system.

Installing a sprinkler system that turns on automatically when smoke or heat is detected is another great idea to ensure the safety of your property.

More Advanced Fire Alarm Systems

If you run a large facility that requires a fire alarm system, you have a few options. The first is the manual pull-system discussed before. Where it gets more advanced is when you get into self-detection systems.

These come in two main varieties. The first is an ionization system that detects high-intensity flaming fires. It does this by way of a piece of radioactive material jammed between two metal plates. 

The air between the plates and the substance subject to ionization up until the moment when smoke disrupts this process. When it does, the alarm sounds. If you have a sprinkler system hooked up, it will be too.

The next is a photoelectric system that uses a beam of light to detect smoke in a chamber. This is better for smoldering fires. Experts recommend using both in the form of a hybrid system for maximum protection.

Stay Safe From Fires

The last thing you want to have happened is for a fire to ravage your property. Your best line of defense is installing a state-of-the-art fire alarm system to warn you of any imminent catastrophe. 

Don't try installing a system yourself. Call a professional to make sure your installation process happens the right way. Contact us whenever you are ready to make sure the job gets done right.