To activate a double action fire alarm station, what must a user do first?

To activate a double action fire alarm station, a user must first break the glass and then pull down a lever. This design is specifically implemented as an additional safety measure to prevent accidental activation of the alarm. By requiring two actions—breaking the glass and then pulling the lever—it ensures that only someone who is certain of an emergency will activate the alarm. This feature helps reduce false alarms, which can lead to unnecessary panic and a drain on emergency response resources.

In contrast, simply pulling down the lever or pressing a button would not require the additional step, thereby increasing the risk of unintentional deployments. The requirement to break the glass serves as a deterrent, making it clear that the situation requires immediate attention.