What is required for the fire alarm system in existing facilities?

The requirement for an existing facility's fire alarm system to have approved central station annunciation is crucial for effective emergency response and overall safety. Central station annunciation involves a dedicated monitoring facility that receives signals from the fire alarm systems within a building. This allows trained personnel to quickly assess the nature of the alarm and dispatch emergency services as needed.

This feature significantly enhances the response time in the event of a fire, as the monitoring station can immediately relay information to the fire department, ensuring that help is on the way even before the occupants of the facility can evacuate. Additionally, central station annunciation helps in reducing the risk of false alarms since trained personnel are able to verify a legitimate emergency.

While other aspects such as monthly testing, having a remote alarm, or automation might improve the functionality or reliability of a fire alarm system, the presence of approved central station annunciation specifically addresses communication with emergency services, which is critical for safeguarding lives during a fire incident.