What is the purpose of a fire alarm system?

• A. To monitor structural integrity
• B. To alert occupants and summon emergency responders
• C. To regulate sprinkler water pressure
• D. To control HVAC

Answer: (B)

Fire alarm systems are designed to provide early warning and prompt response. Their main purpose is to detect a fire or related hazard and immediately alert occupants so they can evacuate, and to notify emergency responders or building management to summon help. By sounding alarms and providing clear indications of where the danger is, the system helps people move to safety quickly and gives responders the crucial information they need to react effectively.

Other options describe actions handled by different systems. Monitoring structural integrity isn’t a typical fire alarm function, regulating sprinkler water pressure belongs to the fire protection/sprinkler system, and while some smoke-control strategies can involve HVAC, controlling it isn’t the primary role of a fire alarm.