What does a fire department connection (FDC) allow?

A fire department connection (FDC) serves a critical purpose in firefighting operations by allowing the fire department to pump water directly into a building's standpipe or sprinkler system when responding to a fire. This capability ensures that firefighters can quickly and effectively supply water to the fire suppression systems, which can be especially vital in larger structures or in situations where a building's water supply may be inadequate.

FDCs are typically located on the exterior of a building to provide easy access for fire department personnel, enabling them to connect hoses and introduce water from their apparatus to bolster the building's fire suppression capabilities. This system enhances the overall effectiveness of firefighting efforts and helps protect both life and property during an emergency.

The other choices do not accurately represent the function of FDCs. For instance, they do not serve as a connection solely for fire sprinklers, a means for parking fire department vehicles, or an alert system for building occupants. Each of these addresses a different aspect of fire safety and response, but they do not capture the essential role of FDCs in providing an auxiliary water supply for firefighting operations.