December is a month typically associated with holiday cheer, family time, and gift-giving. While all that is true, it is also a time where seasonal safety hazards begin to soar.
As temperatures drop, the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning rises. This odorless, invisible gas is commonly sourced from car exhaust, but small gas engines, camp lanterns, gas ranges, charcoal grills, and furnaces also produce it. The typical combination of using appliances and furnaces to heat, coupled with poor ventilation associated with the cold temperatures, causes deadly amounts of CO to build up in the blood.
Additionally, the chances of a house fire increase during the holidays. Christmas Eve and Christmas day are peak days for cooking fires, while holiday decorations, candles, space heaters, and Christmas trees also pose an increased risk for fire.
Fortunately, there is an easy way to protect yourself and your loved ones from these dangers—fire and CO detectors. However, it is surprising how many homes either have no alarms present, or the alarm that is installed does not work. In fact, one study found that less than half the fire alarms installed in homes that suffered a fire actually worked.
If you want to keep your home and family as safe as possible, consider installing monitored smoke and CO alarms. There are still many homeowners who are not aware that these devices are available or what the variances are, so let’s dive into why monitored alarms make all the difference!
What Is A Monitored Alarm?
With a traditional alarm, when smoke or CO is detected, it alerts only you, and only if you are home. With SEi’s monitored alarms, when smoke, heat, or CO is detected, our system sends signals to our UL Listed Monitoring Center. Our ambassadors will follow your protocol for a fire alarm and will immediately contact 911 for Carbon Monoxide alarms. Also, our monitored fire and CO detectors are always on, always monitored whether your system is armed or not.
Why Fast Detection Matters
Monitored smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are vital to reducing response time and saving lives. When seconds matter most, SEi’s 24-hour monitoring center ambassadors are notified of the alarm and call 911 right away. If you are home, SEi will still take that important first step while you’re focusing on getting everyone out of the house safely.
Monitored systems are especially important in cases where occupants are not at home, or capable of responding appropriately to a traditional alarm. Elderly, disabled individuals, children, and pets can be rescued in time.
In addition, SEi also monitors for combustible gas, temperature, and water for the ultimate home protection.
Stay Safe and Secure this Holiday Season
Whether on vacation or cooking a large dinner for the whole family to enjoy, having SEi monitoring your house 24-7 guarantees not only your safety but also fast response times from emergency services. With every household on file, we can let responders know of important details, such as how many pets you have or if anyone in the home has a health impairment. This is vital information for those who respond to the alarm in making sure everyone gets out safely.
With SEi, your safety is our business. We wish nothing but a safe, merry, holiday season. So please, be wary of where you place your candles, follow the instructions for your Christmas lights, keep an eye on the food you’re cooking, and don’t use gas-powered heaters indoors. Most of all, get professionally installed and monitored fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms today.
Sign up for a SEi home alarm system and receive one free wireless combination smoke and fire detector. Contact us today to learn more!
