Regular smoke alarms can only do this one thing
Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors take on a vital part in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. For instance, they will only detect smoke, not high temps. If there is an emergency in your residence, you may not be cautioned before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Although there are additional telltale signals of fire -- including a marked heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.
In addition, smoke detectors only beep if they find ample smoke. In the event a fire begins slowly, you might not be warned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors utilize dual sensors, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. If they sound their alarm, it falls to the resident to call emergency services after they safely leave the property.