What is a central station in the context of fire alarm systems?

A central station refers to a facility specifically designed to receive alarm signals from fire alarm systems and then retransmit these signals to the appropriate emergency services, such as the FDNY. This is a crucial function in fire safety and emergency response, ensuring that alerts about potential fires are communicated promptly to enable swift action from the fire department. Central stations operate 24/7 and are staffed by trained professionals who monitor alarm systems and respond to signals according to established protocols.

The other options do not capture the essence of what a central station is designed to do. While fire alarms are indeed installed at various locations (the second option), and equipment may be stored elsewhere (the third option), neither of those descriptions pertains to the function of a central station. Additionally, the last option references an emergency response team, which is a different aspect of fire safety and response and does not accurately depict a central station's role in processing alarm signals.