Which of the following is a common misconception about fire extinguishers?

The belief that fire extinguishers can replace fire alarms is a common misconception. Fire extinguishers are designed to suppress small fires and can help in emergency situations where a fire has just started. However, their function is entirely different from that of fire alarms, which are intended to detect smoke or heat and alert occupants to evacuate. Fire alarms provide an essential early warning system that can save lives and give individuals time to escape, particularly in larger incidents where a fire may spread rapidly.

Relying on fire extinguishers instead of maintaining functional fire alarms can lead to dangerous situations, as individuals may not be alerted in time to evacuate safely when a fire danger arises. This clear distinction highlights the necessity of both systems as part of a comprehensive fire safety plan rather than one replacing the other.