Frequently asked safety alarm questions

According to the National Fire Protection Association, homeowners should install multiple smoke detectors on every level of the home. They recommend placing detectors in the following areas:

• Inside every bedroom
• Outside every sleeping area
• Living rooms or family rooms
• Near stairways
• Long hallways
• Kitchen

You can, of course, install more than the minimum for added security and peace of mind. If you’re installing smoke detectors as a part of a Digital Home Security home security system, our professionals can help you preventsmine the right number of smoke detectors and proper placement for your home.

Typical smoke detectors detect smoke in the air - because where there's smoke, there's fire. The smoke detector then sounds a loud siren to alert people in the home or building.

Smart smoke detectors like Digital Home Security products can alert you and emergency responders before you smell smoke, extending the reach of a fire, whether you're home or away. Learn how Digital Home Security smart smoke detectors differ from traditional fire detectors.

Photoelectric sensors for faster detection
Digital Home Security smoke detectors are equipped with photoelectric sensors, designed to respond to fires as early as possible. When an increase in heat or smoke is detected, the alarm sounds, sometimes letting you know about a fire risk even before physical, visual signs of smoke or fire appear. Because detectors with photoelectric sensors can detect fires faster, you have more time to keep yourself and your family safe.

Wireless, Continues to Work During Power Outages

Wired smoke detectors are vulnerable to power outages and can be rendered useless if a fire breaks out during a power outage and there is no battery backup. Digital Home Security smoke alarms are wireless and battery powered, so they will continue to operate even if there is a power outage in your home.

Mobile Notifications

By integrating Digital Home Security smoke alarms into your smart home system, you will receive notifications on your smartphone when the smoke alarm goes off, no matter where you are. The smoke detectors will also send alerts to your Digital Home Security Smart Hub and Digital Home Security Central Monitoring Center.

Smart home integration
When a digital home security smoke detector is part of a complete smart home, your smart home devices can work together to get your family out the door as quickly as possible.
The smoke detector triggers your smart thermostat to stop drafts and slow the spread of fire. Then, your smart locks unlock, providing an easy way out so you can focus on what matters most – keeping your family safe.

A good rule of thumb is to place CO detectors in the same areas you’d place your smoke detectors. More specifically, according to the National Fire Protection Association, you should install your carbon monoxide alarms in the following places:

• Outside every sleeping area
• On every level of your home
• Areas required by your local laws
• By placing carbon monoxide detectors outside bedroom doors, if alarms are triggered everyone sleeping should be alerted.

These are the recommended minimums. But for greater protection, experts recommend placing CO alarms in other areas of your home as well:

• Near sources of CO. Place CO detectors 5-20 feet from common sources of carbon monoxide in the home, such as your water heater, furnace, or space heaters. Make sure you don’t place detectors too close to the sources, which could result in false alarms.
• Near your attached garage. Running vehicles produce carbon monoxide through their exhaust systems, which causes pollution. In enclosed spaces like a garage, however, the concentration of CO can quickly reach deadly levels and seep into your home.

When deciding where to place your carbon monoxide detectors, make sure you don’t place them near windows or sources of blowing air, which can prevent your alarm from accurately detecting CO levels.

The CDC recommends installing battery-powered or battery-backup CO detectors in homes. Keeping fresh batteries in your CO detector can ensure it’s working. CO detectors as part of a smart home automation and security system from Digital Home Security are even better. They are battery-powered, as recommended, so they can be easily positioned and moved throughout your home as needed. And because they're wireless, they will still work even if there is a power outage. As part of a connected system, your carbon monoxide detector will sound an alarm if CO levels become a threat while automatically triggering life-saving actions like the following:

• The front door unlocks
• Window sensors disarm
• The furnace fan cranks up to ventilate your home

If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, you’ll be notified on the Digital Home Security Smart Hub in your home and on your smartphone through the Digital Home Security app. Our professional monitoring team can even send first responders if needed. This means your home and everyone in it is protected no matter where you are.

Flood or water sensors are small devices placed near areas in your home that are prone to flooding or leaks. If water is detected, it will sound an alarm so you can act quickly before serious damage occurs. Digital Home Security Water Sensors expand protection from water damage with the following:

• Moisture monitoring. They alert you of excess moisture before even water is detected. You can take action before a minor leak becomes a major issue.
• Temperature monitoring. Freezing temps can quickly lead to burst pipes and costly damage. Digital Home Security Water Sensors detect drops in temperature, notifying you before costly damage occurs.
• Alerts and notifications. An alarm doesn't help when you're not around to hear it. If a Digital Home Security Water Sensor goes off, you'll immediately be alerted on your smartphone. We’ll also connect you with emergency water mitigation services.