A device, typically red in color and mounted on a wall, allows individuals to initiate a fire alarm system by physically pulling a lever or breaking a glass barrier. This action triggers an immediate audible and visual alert throughout a building, signaling a potential fire emergency. Its primary function is to provide a readily accessible and direct means of notifying occupants when a fire is detected, even before automatic detection systems, such as smoke detectors, are activated.
The implementation of such notification systems is crucial for life safety within buildings. They provide a rapid response mechanism that can significantly reduce evacuation times and minimize potential injuries or fatalities. Historically, these systems have evolved from simple, manually operated bells to sophisticated, networked systems integrated with building management and emergency response services. Their presence ensures a degree of control and immediacy in fire emergencies that automated systems alone cannot provide.
