In the absence of monitoring by a supervising station, what sign must be placed near each manual fire alarm box?

In situations where monitoring by a supervising station is not present, it is critical to ensure that individuals are aware of the appropriate action to take when a manual fire alarm box is activated. The correct sign indicating "Contact fire department when alarm sounds" is essential because it prompts individuals to take immediate action to notify emergency services directly. This instruction reinforces the protocol that relies on individuals’ initiative to call for help, ensuring that in emergencies, the response time is minimized.

Proper signage in the vicinity of manual fire alarm boxes plays a crucial role in raising awareness and instructing individuals on how to respond correctly, particularly in scenarios where direct monitoring is absent. By stating the need to contact the fire department, it directs users to communicate effectively with emergency services, highlighting the importance of not relying solely on the alarm signal but taking additional steps to ensure safety and prompt emergency response.