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The Community Fire Link (CFL) project provides community alarm users who qualify with radio linked smoke alarms that are then monitored by Chichester Community Careline centre .

“This system can shorten the time between a fire occurring and the initial call to the Fire and Rescue Service, which means help can be on the way more quickly,” said Station Officer Dave Benham , of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Fire Safety Team.

The criteria for eligibility is very strict and looks at a number of aspects such as:

• Disability.
• Age.
• Isolation.
• Lack of family unit.
• An inability to dial 999 in the case of fire.

It is not necessary to fulfil all of the criteria, as each case will be judged on its individual merits.

If after a referral it is considered that an individual does not qualify for the CFL, Fire and Rescue staff will offer fire safety advice for the home and fit a 10 year smoke alarm.

One of the first residents in the Adur district to receive a fire link alarm was Mr. Geoffrey Winter , of Shoreham-By-Sea, who said: “ I am very pleased to have this smoke alarm fitted to help with my safety and I would certainly encourage all those people who feel that they are at risk to have an alarm installed.”

Beryl Hoad , the Community Alarm Team Leader, said: “ By working in partnership with the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Adur Community Scheme are now able to provide radio linked smoke alarms for elderly and vulnerable residents in Adur.”

Referrals for the CFL should be made via the Community Fire Safety office , or via Adurs' Community Alarm Scheme on .

David Dewdney , West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This partnership highlights the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s policy of forging positive links with the community to assist vulnerable and older people.”

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Picture Caption: Beryl Hoad, Adur District Council Community Alarm Team Leader, with Geoffrey Winter and Station Officer Dave Benham, from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Fire Safety Team.

For further information, contact Gary Towson, of the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, on . e-mail:

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