What is the designed purpose of occupant-use hoses in buildings?

The designed purpose of occupant-use hoses in buildings is primarily to help occupants fight small fires before professional help arrives. These hoses are strategically located within a building to enable occupants to respond quickly to a fire situation, providing them with the necessary means to control or extinguish minor fires effectively. The availability of these hoses empowers individuals within the building to take immediate action, potentially preventing the fire from spreading and allowing for safer evacuation routes.

While the other options, such as supporting fire department efforts or assisting in regular water flow, are relevant to the overall fire protection strategy, they do not specifically capture the primary function of occupant-use hoses. The focus of these hoses is distinctly on enabling occupants to engage in early firefighting efforts, which is crucial in improving safety and reducing the impact of a fire incident.