Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 23 November 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle Provides Extra Support For Older and Disabled People

Faire, the Community Alarm Service run by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has taken a major step forward in supporting older and disabled people to live safely at home. The service is to offer all its current subscribers, at no additional cost, a service that monitors smoke and fire detectors through the 24 hour call centre that is at the hub of the system.

Faire has become a well-established part of the community care services of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Those who presently use the service have an alarm link to the call centre where operators, in the event of an alarm being activated, can ensure that help is provided, either from the person's own nominated contacts or from the emergency services.

Faire are now providing special equipment that links existing smoke detectors to the alarm system so that, in addition to the alarm sounding in the user's own house, the staff on duty at the control centre will be immediately alerted. When the alarm is sounded, the computer screens at the centre immediately identify the household.

The existing telephone-based links that are part of the alarm system allow the operator to quickly check for false alarms. But if there is no response to the contact, or a problem is identified, the fire service is contacted.

Ian Macpherson, the manager of the community alarm service, emphasises how straightforward it is to get this service provided. "For all our current users, the process could not be simpler. Either contact the centre on 01851 701702, using the alarm link if this is easier, and request the service. In most cases, it involves an uncomplicated adaptation to any existing alarm, or the installation of a new fire alarm sensor. It's a case of minimum disruption for maximum safety".

The service offered by Faire is available to people who are at risk due to age, disability or other factors. There is no additional charge to existing users, and any new subscribers will only pay the standard charge of £1 per week which provides the standard alarm equipment, smoke and fire detectors installed or modified and the 24 hour monitoring service.

Alasdair Morrison MSP for the Western Isles and Minister for the Highlands and Islands, will launch the new service today. He said:

"It sounds to me like one of the best bargains around this Christmas. I know quite a lot of people who are already connected to Faire and it has, without doubt, become an important support to enable people to remain at home. Tragically, older or disabled people are one of the high-risk groups as far as fires are concerned and this new service is, literally, a lifesaver".

Ends

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk