According to NFPA 72, what are the two primary purposes of fire warning equipment?

The correct answer highlights the dual focus of fire warning systems as outlined in NFPA 72. Fire warning equipment serves to protect property by providing early detection of fire hazards, which can help mitigate damaging effects, as well as ensuring reliable notification to occupants. This dual function is essential in any fire safety strategy; effective equipment should not only prompt individuals to evacuate efficiently but also serve to safeguard structures and their contents from the ravages of fire.

Other options, while they contain elements relevant to fire safety, do not encapsulate the core purposes as clearly. For instance, notifying occupants is a critical feature, but when considered along with minimizing property damage, it isn't as comprehensive as the protection and reliability emphasized in the correct choice. Similarly, reducing response time and preventing false alarms relate to operational efficiency rather than the fundamental objectives of fire warning systems. Regular equipment testing and emergency lighting serve important roles in overall safety strategies but do not directly define the primary intentions behind fire warning systems themselves.