Using the Interim Measures Alarm Fund for Temporary Fire Safety

Residential buildings with identified fire safety concerns may need temporary protection while permanent work is being planned or completed. This can create added pressure for building owners, Responsible Persons and residents, particularly where the existing evacuation strategy is no longer suitable.

The Interim Measures Alarm Fund can support eligible buildings with the cost of installing a common fire alarm system. This can help provide residents with a reliable warning method and reduce the need for expensive waking watch arrangements.

When Interim Fire Safety Measures Are Required

Fire safety issues within a residential building may mean that temporary controls are needed before remediation work can be finished.

In some cases, a competent person may advise that the building moves away from a stay put policy and adopts a simultaneous evacuation strategy. This means residents need to leave the building when the alarm is activated.

For this approach to work, the alarm system must provide a clear warning throughout the property. A common fire alarm system can help make sure residents receive that warning quickly.

The Interim Measures Alarm Fund can help eligible building owners meet the cost of putting this type of temporary system in place.

Reducing Reliance on Waking Watch Services

Waking watch services are sometimes used as a temporary response to serious fire safety concerns. Staff patrol the building and alert residents if a fire is identified.

Although this can provide short-term protection, the cost can become significant if the arrangement remains in place for several months.

A common fire alarm can offer another way to provide building-wide warning while permanent work continues. It can also reduce the need for continuous patrols once the system has been correctly designed, installed and commissioned.

This is one of the main reasons the Interim Measures Alarm Fund can be valuable for eligible residential buildings.

What Funding Can Be Used For

The fund can contribute to the capital cost of installing a suitable common fire alarm system in qualifying buildings.

Eligible costs may include alarm equipment, installation, testing and commissioning, depending on the requirements of the scheme.

The alarm system should be based on the actual risks identified within the property. It should also take account of the building's fire risk assessment and evacuation strategy.

Systems may be designed in line with BS 5839-1, with Category L5 systems often used where a specific risk-based solution is required.

Protecting Residents During Remediation

The Interim Measures Alarm Fund is intended to support temporary protection. It does not remove the need to resolve the original fire safety defects.

Buildings may still require remediation relating to cladding, compartmentation, construction defects or other risks identified through professional assessment.

Until that work is complete, a suitable alarm system can provide an additional layer of protection and support the chosen evacuation strategy.

This can give residents a clear warning if a fire occurs and allow staff, Responsible Persons and emergency services to respond more effectively.

Why a Common Fire Alarm System Matters

A common alarm system can provide a coordinated warning across the whole building rather than relying on separate alarms within individual flats.

This is particularly important where simultaneous evacuation has been introduced, as all residents may need to begin leaving the property at the same time.

Early warning can also help reduce confusion and support a more organised evacuation. The system should be designed so that it suits the size, layout and identified risks of the building.

Regular testing and maintenance are also important to make sure the system remains effective throughout the period it is required.

Applying for the Interim Measures Alarm Fund

The Interim Measures Alarm Fund is administered through Homes England as part of the wider Cladding Safety Scheme.

Applicants may need to provide information about the building, the identified fire safety concerns and the reasons why an interim alarm system is required.

Professional recommendations and details of the proposed system may also form part of the application process.

Building owners should make sure the proposed solution reflects the individual risks of the property and the recommendations provided by competent fire safety professionals.

Support With Fire Alarm Systems

Specialist fire safety support can help building owners understand the alarm requirements for their property and prepare a suitable system.

NPG Fire Safety can assist with fire alarm design, installation, commissioning and maintenance, as well as support linked to the Interim Measures Alarm Fund application process.

This can help make sure the alarm system is suitable for the building, the evacuation strategy and the risks identified during assessment.

Maintaining Safety While Permanent Work Progresses

The Interim Measures Alarm Fund can help eligible residential buildings put suitable temporary fire safety measures in place while remediation continues.

By supporting the installation of common fire alarm systems, the fund can help reduce waking watch costs and provide residents with a dependable warning system during the interim period.

To find out more about the Interim Measures Alarm Fund, common fire alarm systems and related fire safety support, visit the NPG Fire Safety website.