Z-Wave Seeks to Save House Fire Losses
Learn how Z-Wave technology is being leveraged to enhance fire/life-safety efforts in the home.
It should be noted that smoke detectors are not the only sensors that come in handy when detecting potential fire hazards. As mentioned earlier, CO sensors can also play a key role in preventing fires before they start. CO is not only hazardous, since it is very toxic and odorless, it is also highly flammable. Thus, a CO leak can provide the material that, with the right spark in the right place, creates a deadly blaze.
Many Z-Wave CO sensors not only alert the homeowner to high CO levels, they can indicate where the leak is originating. And, as smoke detectors, the CO sensor can be integrated into a Z-Wave system to send alerts via SMS text or E-mail, meaning that preventive action can be taken whether the homeowner is in the house or miles away.
Other ways in which product-level interoperability can play a key role:
- Smoke detectors can trigger lighting, helping residents locate a path out of a burning structure.
- HVAC fans can be slowed down to reduce the spread of the fire.
- Outside lights can be flashed to alert neighbors, as well as anyone in the house with hearing problems.
- Front doors can be unlocked to allow access to neighbors if their help is needed.
Because doors can be opened remotely, firefighters and other emergency responders can get into a distressed property faster, saving the valuable seconds it would take to break down the door, not to mention minimizing the damage.
Stopping Fires Before They Start
The benefits Z-Wave p
rovides in regard to fire prevention extend beyond just home automation standard can also potentially stop blazes before they even get going.
It’s well-documented that some of the leading causes of home fires include cooking and heating equipment, electrical and lighting components and washing machines and dishwashers. Incredibly, these three sources combined account for approximately 69% of all house fires.
However, home automation technology can eliminate these potential fire starters before they become a problem. If any of these Z-Wave-based appliances is connected to the home automation network, they can be turned off remotely the instant it appears that it may lead to a fire or other complication. Consequently, minor problems do not escalate into major calamities.
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