Which Alarms Does Your Home Need?
There is no shortage of home security systems that alert homeowners to a variety of emergencies: fires, carbon monoxide leaks, forced entry, water leaks, and more. But which house alarms are most crucial to your family’s safety?
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are the two most essential security systems for your home. But there are a couple of other optional alarms to consider that we recommend to keep every dimension of your home security under control.
Smoke Alarms
From 2018 to 2022, nearly 60% of deaths in house fires occurred in residences with no smoke alarms or with smoke alarms that failed to operate, according to a 2024 report by the National Fire Protection Association. That’s a huge discrepancy — and in Texas, where many homes are heated by natural gas, it can increase the risk of residential fire.
The Texas Department of Insurance recommends having a smoke alarm on every floor of your home, in each bedroom, and in every hallway.* Alarms on the ceiling should be installed at least 4 inches from the wall, and alarms on the wall should be 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. Don’t install smoke alarms near windows or vents, as this may interfere with the sensor’s ability to detect smoke. Fire departments also recommend — contrary to popular belief — that you don’t install smoke alarms in your kitchen. They usually trigger false alarms rather than alerting the household to real, spreading flames.
Test your smoke alarms monthly and, if not hardwired, replace each unit’s batteries once a year (or whenever the unit starts chirping). Fire departments recommend you replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
*Important notice to landlords and renters: Texas law requires that the landlord install at least one smoke detector outside of each bedroom. Check your local city ordinances for exceptions or additional provisions.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly odorless and colorless gas that is undetectable without a CO detector. Gas heaters, gas stoves, and gas fireplaces, which are increasingly the most common type of fireplace found in Texas homes, can all emit CO. And yet, more than one-third of homes in America do not have a CO detection system.
If your home has any type of gas unit, installing a CO detector is imperative. Install at least one detector on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Nowadays, combined smoke and CO detectors are popular options as they provide dual protection in a single device. However, it’s important to consider the placement of the alarm.
In Texas, hospitalization rates from CO poisoning skyrocket during extreme weather events, such as Winter Storm Uri in 2021. These spikes are directly caused by portable generators, which — although useful during power outages — are the leading cause of CO deaths. Before starting up a portable generator, be sure your CO detectors are functioning properly. Always keep generators outdoors when running.
Door And Window Alarms
These systems alert you when a door or window is opened, forced open, or broken. There are lots of different types on the market: some that send push notifications to your smartphone while you’re out, some that emit sirens overnight, and others that even call 911 when the alarm is activated.
Water Leak Sensors
These are placed anywhere with plumbing and will alert you when they detect leaks, pipes that are about to freeze, and other plumbing issues. Some systems can even automatically and remotely shut off your water valve, protecting your home from major damage and costly home repairs.
These days, almost every alarm and security system has smart integrations that connect to your Wi-Fi and family’s phones to keep you informed as emergencies happen, even when you’re not at home. Here’s all you need to know about smart home security systems.
