Life Safety Systems
People don't always install an alarm system strictly for security purposes. The other main function of an alarm system is to keep people safe in the event of a life-threatening emergency or a dangerous environmental situation. For example, a fire in the building or the presence of carbon monoxide gas could produce deadly results if the situation is not caught in time. Fortunately, there are certain sensors and devices for alarm systems that are used to alert others to these threats and for allowing a user to report serious situations. Obtaining a complete life safety system is often as simple as just adding a few life safety sensors and devices to an alarm system.
Life safety devices work pretty much in the same way as most security devices and sensors. They are programmed with the panel, and a specific Response Type is assigned. When the sensor or device is activated, it will send a signal to the alarm system. The system will then perform the programmed response for that zone. For a life safety sensor, this will usually involve triggering an immediate alarm. If the system is connected with a central monitoring station, then an emergency response team can be automatically sent out to the premises. But if the user only has a self-monitoring plan, then it will be up to them to request any help that is needed.
There are many types of life safety sensors that are available for an alarm system. Perhaps the most obvious are smoke detectors. A smoke detector checks for the presence of smoke that indicates a fire in the building. Most smoke detectors have a sounder for alerting others to a fire. Monitored smoke detectors will also send an alert to the alarm system so that it can take action as well. The system will typically emit a siren and send out a response to the user or a central monitoring station. Some smoke detectors also include a heat sensing function for detecting unusually high temperatures. This can help the device detect a fire more accurately.
Another important type of life safety sensor is a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless case that is lethal when breathed in. Even a small outbreak of carbon monoxide can have very serious consequences. That is why it is always smart to monitor for this dangerous gas. Placing a carbon monoxide detector near attached garages and near sleeping areas is always a good idea. By law, when a carbon monoxide sensor is activated, a central monitoring station will send for emergency dispatch when an alarm event occurs. This is because an outbreak of carbon monoxide is very serious, and the problem must be addressed quickly.
An alarm system may also sync with a medical alert button. These devices are commonly used by elderly people and those with serious health concerns. If the user ever experiences a medical emergency, they can press the medical alert button and call for immediate help. Not only can this help people live more independently, it can also provide their family with some much needed peace of mind.