Final answer:
Elevators are designed to automatically go to the lobby when a fire alarm is triggered, as part of the elevator recall safety feature. However, in a fire emergency, the public should not use the elevators for evacuation, as they could be a safety risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elevators in most office towers and apartment buildings are designed to automatically descend to the lobby or a designated floor when a fire alarm is triggered. This automated response is known as 'elevator recall' and is a standard safety feature implemented in modern elevator systems. When a fire alarm sounds, the elevator system prioritizes the evacuation of individuals quickly and safely. The system stops normal operations and overrides any current passenger commands. It's important to note that while elevators can be recalled due to smoke or a fire alarm, they should not be used during a fire emergency for evacuation by the public, as they could become trapped between floors or malfunction. Still, the recall function can be essential for firefighters and first responders to prepare the building for an effective emergency response.