Ah, thank you for that info. I didn't realize that there was also a siren attached to the whole system. Makes a great deal of sense now. Given that the units are closer to 10 years old it would be prudent to replace them all rather than take a chance.
As it is we have another fully hardwired and connected system that not only sets off a siren within the house but also contacts an alarm company to send help. That system didn't go off so we felt confident that there wasn't a fire (although my husband did do a quick check of the house). So, even without a unit attached in the original system we are protected.