Sheltered alarm system

Every sheltered house or flat has its own alarm system to call for assistance in the event of an emergency (called the ‘sheltered alarm’ in this handbook) that provides a link between you and your scheme manager by means of a two-way speech system. It also links residents to our control centre in Leyland, which is staffed 24 hours a day, providing support whenever needed.

How to use the sheltered alarm system.
A box is fitted to the wall, usually in the hall or lounge. This is called the speech unit. The speech unit enables you to contact your scheme manager or the control centre.

To use the speech unit:

• Press the button on the speech unit until the small red light flashes
• Wait for your scheme manager or duty controller to answer
• Once they have answered your call, tell them what the problem is
• You can also summon help by pulling one of the red emergency alarm cords in your home

To use the alarm cords:

• Pull the cord to activate the alarm
• Your scheme manager or the duty controller will answer
• Tell them what the problem is

The equipment is very sensitive so there is no need to shout, just talk normally and you will be heard. If you are unable to speak, don’t worry as the scheme manager will know that you have tried to contact them and will summon assistance immediately.

The sheltered alarm system is there for your safety. If you need to raise an alarm please use it, regardless of what time of day it is.

We can also supply pendants that are worn on your person and can be used to alert staff to an emergency. These are for short term use, for example following hospital discharge or a fall.

If you, or a visitor, pull the alarm cord by mistake, don’t worry; just tell the person who answers.

Power failures
During a power failure the sheltered alarm system will work on batteries for several hours so you can still get help if you need it. The alarm system is tested every three months, but if you feel that it is not working properly in between these checks please report the fault to your scheme manager.

It is extremely important that your alarm equipment is checked and faults reported promptly. The scheme manager will test your pull cords every three months to ensure that they operate correctly and hang freely.

Emergency access to your home
The scheme manager or mobile warden will have access to a spare key or pass key in case they need to get into your home in an emergency. For example, you may have fallen and cannot get to the door.

It is a good idea to have a relative or friend who lives nearby to hold a spare key and for the scheme manager to know who they are.

You must not fit extra door locks to your front door, as they prevent people from getting in if there is an emergency.

If you chose to fit a security chain, ask your scheme manager for guidance on how to use it correctly.

You must also provide access to your property for your gas safety check. This check is a legal requirement and must be undertaken by our gas engineers on an annual basis.

Please note that at the end of your tenancy, all property keys including keys to the community centre must be returned to a member of our Customer Services Team at Sumner House, Leyland by 12 noon on the day of termination.