The Discovery 911 Smoke detector is an always on smoke detection device that sounds a loud in home alarm and automatically alerts the homeowner and Discovery Insure's 24/7 emergency response network. When smoke is detected, professional fire response is coordinated even if no one is home or able to respond.

The Discovery 911 Smoke detector is available nationwide to both Discovery Insure clients and the general public, nationwide.

When it comes to fighting a fire, every second matters. What often delays fire response is that people may be away from home, asleep, injured, or unsure who to call for help. The Discovery 911 Smoke detector fundamentally changes this. By automating early fire detection, emergency escalation and response coordination, it removes reliance on human intervention at a critical point in time, and ensures direct access to the right response teams.

While fire risk may feel low on a day to day basis, Discovery Insure data shows that residential fires occur consistently every year and increase during the colder months. Most fires are caused by everyday household activities or processes such as cooking incidents; the use of heating equipment; electrical faults; inverter and solar related faults; incorrectly designed, installed or maintained flues and chimneys; and environmental factors such as lightning or natural veld fires that spread to residential properties.

These common and often unavoidable risks reinforce the need for an automated fire detection system that responds immediately at the first sign of fire, and connects homes and residents directly to rapid emergency response. It comes down to rapid fire detection, and rapid, professional fire response.

Yes. The Discovery Insure app needs to be installed on a client's phone. The smoke detector device setup is facilitated via the app, and the device will not work until the setup is completed. Access the Discovery Insure app.

Standard smoke alarms rely on someone being at home to hear the alarm and act, with knowledge of the right process to follow. The Discovery 911 smoke detector and surrounding support ecosystem automates both the fire detection and rapid-response process, bringing in quick, emergency escalation and response coordination, and removing reliance on human intervention (enabling professional fire response to be dispatched even if the homeowner is away or unable to respond).

When smoke is detected, a loud alarm sounds inside the home, and an alert is sent to the homeowner via the Discovery Insure app (the first point of communication to the client), and the incident is automatically escalated to Discovery Insure's 24/7 emergency call centre. Discovery Insure's emergency response team follows verification processes to help distinguish between false alarms and real emergencies, balancing rapid response with responsible escalation: The team will first try to contact the client to verify the alert incident, determine whether assistance is required, and then coordinate the immediate dispatch of private fire response services. If the response team determines that the alert was false, the response will be cancelled (clients can also cancel false alerts through the Discovery Insure app).

If Discovery Insure's emergency response team is unable to reach the homeowner they will proceed with escalation protocols and coordinate the dispatch of fire response services.

The fire response coordinated through Discovery Insure's emergency call centre, links clients to a professional national fire response network. This network includes Discovery Insure's FireForce - a fire-fighting project launched in 2022.

It uses two AA batteries, which will be included in the packaging. These generally last two to three years before needing to be replaced.

No. There are no additional costs for emergency response services dispatched through the Discovery 911 Smoke detector. Contract T&C's apply.

Please go to the Discovery website to purchase a Discovery 911 smoke detector or contact your Discovery Insure financial adviser for guidance.

When Discovery Insure's emergency response team contacts clients following a smoke detector alert, they will assess the situation and ask whether medical assistance is required. If medical support is needed, the team will coordinate access to appropriate emergency medical services in addition to fire response services.

The device uses Sigfox 0G technology, a low power, long range network that does not rely on Wi Fi or standard mobile networks. This allows the smoke detector (which is battery-operated) to remain connected during loadshedding and GSM outages.

The device is designed for nationwide use, with private fire response partners dispatched based on location and service availability. When new clients apply for a smoke detector, they are asked to enter the address (where the smoke detector/s will be installed), and Discovery Insure immediately checks that location to ensure Sigfox network coverage. The client will be able to continue with their onboarding if connectivity is established. The process is also repeated when the device is set up in the home to ensure the chosen location has connectivity.

No. The Discovery 911 Smoke detector does not record audio or video and does not monitor household activity. It only detects smoke and transmits alerts solely for emergency response purposes.

The smoke detector uses two AA batteries, which are included in the packaging. The batteries should be replaced annually (optimal) but will typically last two years. Replacing the batteries is easy to do for the client.

Clients will receive a notification on the Discovery Insure app that the batteries are low, and the smoke detector device also provides a blinking red light to show low battery.

The smoke detector has an expected lifespan of up to 10 years and should be tested periodically to ensure it is functioning correctly. The Discovery Insure app specifically allows testing.

No servicing or maintenance is required (excluding changing the batteries every year, as explained above).

The box containing the unit features a QR code which, once scanned on a cellphone, opens up a digital manual that explains how to install the unit and where to consider installing it.

The device can be installed by the homeowner using a screw on mounting plate or strong double sided tape. No wiring or professional installation is required.

The number of smoke detectors required depends on the size, layout and number of levels in a home. Each smoke detector covers ±60 sqm. Discovery Insure advises that smoke detectors be installed wherever there is a high risk of fire. This includes areas housing inverters or solar system batteries, flammable substances (such as in a garage), kitchens or lapas, and areas with fireplaces. Clients can base the decision of how many detectors they may need on the high-risk areas in their home.

The box containing the unit features a QR code which, once scanned on a cellphone, opens up a digital manual that explains how to install the unit and where to consider installing it (also see high-risk areas mentioned above).

Upfront cost: R400 per smoke detector (once off)

Monthly servicing fee:

• 1 smoke detector: R75 per month
• 2 smoke detectors: R100 per month (for two, in total)
• 3 to 5 smoke detectors: R110 per month (for up to five, in total)

The monthly servicing fee covers continuous connectivity, monitoring, and access to Discovery Insure's 24/7 emergency response network, including the coordination of private fire response services when required.

Installing a Discovery 911 smoke detector does not reduce a household insurance premium. However, it plays an important role in reducing the impact of fire related incidents. Early smoke detection combined with automatic emergency escalation can significantly limit the extent of damage to a home and its contents, as well as enhancing the personal safety of people in the home when a fire breaks out. By enabling faster response when a fire occurs - even if no one is home or able to act - the Discovery 911 smoke detector helps protect property, reduce potential losses and improve overall safety outcomes.

The Smoke Detector forms part of the Discovery 911 suite, which extends Discovery Insure's emergency response network beyond vehicles and into the home, providing always on safety support.

More information, including pricing and product details, is available in the Discovery 911 Smoke detector one pager and on the Discovery Insure website or through:

• Email: insuremaintenance@discovery.co.za
• Phone: 0860 751 751