What is the intended function of smoke alarms located near stairs leading to occupied levels?

The intended function of smoke alarms located near stairs leading to occupied levels is to ensure that smoke reaches the alarms or detectors. This placement is strategic because smoke typically rises and can gather in stairwells. By positioning smoke alarms near these critical pathways, they are more likely to detect smoke early, thereby providing timely alerts to individuals who may be in the vicinity or attempting to evacuate.

When smoke spreads throughout a building, its path often follows the vertical structure of the building, such as open stairways. Thus, alarms placed near these locations help increase the probability of early detection, which is essential for safety. This proactive measure assists in warning individuals before conditions become dangerous, allowing for quicker responses in emergencies.

Other options focus on different aspects of fire safety and alert systems. For instance, while activating the fire alarm system is an important function of smoke alarms, it is not the primary purpose of their strategic placement by the stairs; instead, it is the result of detecting smoke. Similarly, while alerting individuals in case of an emergency is a critical function, ensuring smoke reaches the alarms is essential for maximizing this alert capability. Lastly, detecting heat from smoke is not a primary function of smoke alarms, as these devices are designed primarily to sense smoke particles rather than