What is the primary purpose of fire alarms in a building?

The primary purpose of fire alarms in a building is to detect smoke or fire and alert occupants for safe evacuation. Fire alarms are critical safety devices designed to sense the presence of fire or smoke and activate alerts, allowing individuals within the building to respond quickly and evacuate. This rapid response is crucial for minimizing risks to life and property, as it provides occupants with the necessary time to exit safely before conditions potentially worsen.

While monitoring building occupancy, controlling indoor temperatures, and providing visual alerts are important safety and operational features in various scenarios, they do not encapsulate the primary function of fire alarms. The essential role of a fire alarm system is to ensure early detection and notification, thereby significantly reducing the chances of injury or fatalities in the event of a fire emergency.