What is the role of fire alarm systems in a building?

The role of fire alarm systems in a building primarily focuses on notifying occupants to evacuate during a fire. These systems are designed to detect the presence of smoke, heat, or flames and alert building occupants, allowing them to respond quickly and safely by exiting the premises. Timely notifications are crucial, as they can significantly reduce the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire.

While systems may indirectly assist firefighters (option A) by providing information about the location of a fire, their primary function is to ensure occupant safety through early warning. Similarly, while monitoring fire extinguishers (option C) and controlling fire sprinklers (option D) are important aspects of a comprehensive fire safety plan, these functions are generally handled by separate systems or protocols and are not the principal purpose of fire alarm systems. The effectiveness of fire alarms in protecting lives during a fire emergency is why the correct choice is to notify occupants to evacuate.