What is the primary function of local alarms in fire detection systems?

The primary function of local alarms in fire detection systems is to alert personnel of potential fire hazards. These alarms are designed to provide immediate warnings to anyone in the vicinity of a fire risk, enabling them to assess the situation and take appropriate action, such as evacuating the area or attempting to extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so. Local alarms are crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals who may not be aware of a fire outbreak until they hear the alarm, thus facilitating a quicker response to mitigate potential hazards.

In contrast, notifying emergency services is typically the function of centralized alarm systems or monitoring services, which are activated after local alarms are triggered. Monitoring environmental conditions do not directly relate to the purpose of local fire alarms, as these functions are more aligned with systems designed for broader oversight of facility conditions rather than immediate alerting. Deactivating the fire suppression system contradicts the safety focus of local alarms, as these alarms serve to warn against fires rather than disable crucial safety measures designed to manage fire emergencies.