This information is intended to be used as a general guide for alarm related emergency planning. The procedures described within this guide are not intended to be considered as complete or applicable in all emergency situations. Consult with your local police and fire departments for additional information.

If the alarm is a fire alarm, leave the home immediately unless you are absolutely sure that the situation is not life threatening.

Most fire detection systems will be able to sound a loud alarm in the event that a sensor detects smoke or heat. This warning will help to alert the people within the home that a life threatening situation may be present. An emergency exit plan, along with this early warning will help to maximize your chances of survival in a fire. See Exit Drills In The Home / E.D.I.T.H. for additional information.

Many systems can be installed with an option to turn on interior lights during a fire alarm condition. This feature can help to guide your way out in an emergency situation.

Some monitored fire detection systems can be equipped to sound a loud warning within the home followed by voice alert that will enunciate fire - fire - sensor... This type of detail can help you to make quick and informed decisions with regard to your emergency plan when every second counts.

A monitored fire detection system should be designed with consideration to the size and layout of the home, the sleeping locations of the family, the emergency exit patterns within the home, and any likely sources of fire within the home. Your security consultant and your local fire department can provide you with additional information.

These monitored fire detection systems can help to increase your life safety and increase the overall protection of your property while you are not at home. A monitored system can allow for more timely fire department response to a house fire by potentially detecting a fire in its earlier stages. Without monitoring services, you rely on an observer to recognize a fire condition, and call the authorities. House fires are often not visible from the outside until the fire has had a chance to progress and become more established.

In any situation, the earliest possible detection, and response is the ultimate reason for installing a fire detection system and monitoring services.