What does the term "decibel level" refer to in fire alarms?

The term "decibel level" specifically refers to the measurement of the sound intensity produced by alarm notification devices. In the context of fire alarms, decibels indicate how loud the alarm is, which is crucial for ensuring that occupants can hear and respond to the alert promptly during an emergency. The intensity of the sound must meet minimum standards to be effective in alerting individuals in various environments, especially in noisy settings.

While there are other factors mentioned, such as frequency, duration, and clarity of the message, they do not directly relate to the concept of decibel level. Frequency pertains to the pitch of the sound, duration refers to how long the sound lasts, and clarity involves how understandable the message is. Each of these may contribute to an alarm's overall effectiveness, but they are not measures of sound intensity, which is what "decibel level" specifically conveys.