What are standpipe systems primarily designed for?

Standpipe systems are primarily designed to supply water for firefighting operations, particularly in multistory buildings where it might be difficult to access water directly from a fire apparatus due to the height and complexity of the structure. These systems provide firefighters with strategically located water outlets (hoses or nozzles) that can be accessed throughout a building, facilitating a more efficient and effective response to fires.

The design of standpipe systems means that they are often integrated with the building's water supply or a dedicated water source, ensuring that sufficient water is available for firefighting efforts. By providing direct access to water at various points in the building, these systems play a crucial role in minimizing the time it takes to suppress a fire, which is vital for the safety of both occupants and firefighters.

The other options, while related to fire safety, do not capture the primary purpose of standpipe systems. Maintaining fire alarm signals pertains to alarm systems, cooling structural components is more about temperature control during a fire, and distributing water to residential areas does not directly relate to the responsibilities and functions of standpipe systems.