What is the primary function of a Central Station fire alarm system?

The primary function of a Central Station fire alarm system is to communicate directly with local fire departments. This system is designed to continuously monitor fire alarm signals from various facilities and promptly relay any alarm conditions to the appropriate emergency response services.

When a fire alarm is activated, the Central Station receives this signal and can quickly verify the situation before notifying local fire authorities. This direct communication ensures a swift response from emergency services, helping to minimize property damage and potentially save lives. The involvement of a Central Station enhances the effectiveness of fire safety measures by ensuring that trained personnel are alerted immediately when a fire event occurs, rather than relying solely on the building's occupants to respond.

In contrast, while other options highlight important features of fire alarm systems, they do not capture the primary purpose of Central Station systems. For instance, warning building occupants is part of an alarm system's role but not the main function of a Central Station setup. Similarly, serving as a backup or providing information to building management may be aspects of a more comprehensive fire safety strategy but do not define the core functionality of a Central Station system.