What is the purpose of a fire alarm pull station?

The purpose of a fire alarm pull station is to manually activate the fire alarm system. When someone pulls the station, it triggers the alarm to alert occupants of a fire or emergency situation, enabling them to evacuate the building safely. This manual activation is crucial in scenarios where the automatic detection systems might not respond quickly enough, ensuring that everyone is promptly notified of the potential danger.

The other choices do not align with the primary function of a pull station. Activating the sprinkler system is typically handled automatically by fire detection systems or through separate manual controls, not by a pull station. Notifying occupants of a fire drill is usually managed through scheduled announcements or alerts, rather than via a pull station. Lastly, switching off fire alarm systems is not a function of a pull station; the system is intended to signal emergencies, and disabling it might impede safety protocols.