What color must all fire alarm boxes be painted?

Fire alarm boxes must be painted red to ensure they are easily recognizable and associated with emergency situations. The color red is universally understood as a signal for warning or danger, which is critical in emergencies where quick action is necessary. Using red for fire alarm boxes helps alert individuals that they are dealing with a fire or smoke emergency, prompting immediate response and escalating safety measures.

This standard is established to maintain consistency and clarity across various locations, ensuring that anyone can quickly locate a fire alarm box even under stress. Red is thus an effective choice due to its visibility and established connotation related to fire and public safety. This uniform color scheme helps in efficient emergency response, as people can instinctively identify fire-related equipment and take appropriate actions when they see red.