In 2024, the Houston Fire Department responded to 6,847 structure fires (source: Texas State Fire Marshal annual report).
More than 62 % of those fires happened when no one was home, or everyone was asleep.
A $15 battery smoke detector will scream… but if nobody hears it and calls 911, HFD’s average arrival time is still 8–11 minutes across most of Harris and Fort Bend counties. By then, flashover has usually already happened.
After years of installing systems from Pearland to The Woodlands, I tell every client the same thing: professional fire alarm monitoring is the single biggest life-safety upgrade you will ever make.
How Monitored Fire Alarms Actually Work (Step-by-Step)
When smoke or extreme heat is detected:
- Panel instantly sends a digital signal over cellular + phone line
- UL-listed central station receives it in under 8 seconds
- Trained operators verify and call you
- Simultaneously, dispatch the Houston Fire Department with your exact address and entry notes
- Total average dispatch time: 30–60 seconds
Learn the full details here: What Is a Monitored Fire Alarm?
Best Fire Alarm Monitoring Services in Houston for Homeowners
Houston families deal with kitchen fires, garage electrical issues, and 140 °F+ attics every summer.
The systems I install most often include:
- Photoelectric + heat + low-frequency sounders (wakes even deep sleepers and kids)
- ADT Command panels with supervised fire circuits
- 72-hour battery backup (worked perfectly for thousands of homes during Hurricane Beryl)
- Full smart-home integration – silence chirps from your phone at 2 a.m.
Because we’re local on Cullen Blvd, our Houston techs are at your door in under 24 hours if anything needs attention.
When Is Fire Alarm Monitoring Actually Required in Houston?
City of Houston Fire Code (NFPA 72 & IFC) requires monitored fire alarms for:
- Most commercial buildings over 2,000 sq ft
- Restaurants, daycares, medical offices, and warehouses
- Any property with fire sprinklers (sprinkler supervision is mandatory)
Not sure about your property? Use this free checklist: When Is Fire Alarm Monitoring Required?
Commercial Fire Alarm Monitoring – Built for Houston Businesses
I’ve personally designed and maintained systems for Westheimer restaurants, Ship Channel warehouses, Medical Center clinics, and Energy Corridor offices. Every commercial job includes sprinkler monitoring, tamper supervision, elevator recall, and annual NFPA 72 certificates that keep your insurance company happy.
See our full commercial fire programs here:
Wireless Fire Alarm Monitoring Is Taking Over Houston Retrofits
Running new fire-rated cable through a 1970s Meyerland ranch or a 1920s Heights warehouse is almost impossible. That’s why 80 % of our 2025 installs are now wireless or hybrid:
- Zero drywall damage
- 5G cellular + mesh radio backup
- 10-year lithium batteries on sensors
Complete advantages and comparison here: Wireless Fire Alarm Monitoring in Houston
Side-by-Side Comparison: Local vs National vs DIY
| Feature | PHT Security (Local ADT Dealer) | National 1-800 Chains | Big-Box DIY Kits |
| Local Houston technicians | Same/next-day | 3–14 days | YouTube install |
| UL-listed 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Yes | No |
| Works during prolonged power outages | 72 hr battery + generator tie-in | Varies | Dies with power |
| Bundled solar/generator options | Yes | No | No |
| Average Houston Google rating | 4.9/5 (200+ reviews) | 3.1–3.8 | N/A |
Why Houston Families & Businesses Choose PHT Security Systems
- ADT Authorized Dealer since 2012 (one of the longest-running in Texas)
- 100 % Houston-owned & operated – 14519 Cullen Blvd Ste H
- One company for fire monitoring + burglary + cameras + whole-house generators + solar
- Thousands of local installs, zero unanswered alarms in 12+ years
Get your completely free fire safety audit and custom quote today: Certified Alarms & Surveillance Services
FAQ – Fire Alarm Monitoring Houston
How fast does HFD get notified?
30–60 seconds with our Five-Diamond certified central station.
Will the system work when CenterPoint is down for days?
100 % — cellular radio + 72-hour battery + optional generator integration.
Can I add fire monitoring to my existing ADT system?
Almost always yes, usually at little or no extra equipment cost.
Don’t wait for the next close call. Call our Houston team at 281-648-2222 or click the link above for your free on-site evaluation today.
