The Interim Measures Alarm Fund (IMAF) provides a route for responsible persons, building owners and managing agents to replace or reduce reliance on costly Waking Watch patrols with interim fire alarm systems. For eligible residential buildings in England awaiting remediation, it offers a practical way to improve safety, reduce ongoing spend and move toward a more robust interim strategy.
Download the IMAF guide
Get a practical summary of the fund, what it covers, what to consider before applying, and how Cygnus can support the move away from Waking Watch.
What is the Interim Measures Alarm Fund?
The Interim Measures Alarm Fund is a government funding route, managed and delivered by Homes England, for eligible residential buildings in England. Its purpose is to fund the installation of interim fire alarm systems that replace, or reduce the need for, Waking Watch measures while longer-term remediation is progressed.
For eligible buildings, this creates an opportunity to move away from labour-intensive manual patrols and introduce automatic fire detection and warning instead. For many responsible persons, that can support a more reliable and cost-effective interim arrangement while wider building safety works are being designed, approved or delivered.
IMAF is designed to help eligible residential buildings in England install interim fire alarm systems to replace or mitigate the need for Waking Watch.
The fund follows the earlier Waking Watch Replacement Fund and is now the main government-backed route for new interim alarm applications.
Who can benefit from IMAF?
IMAF is particularly relevant for buildings where fire risk has already led to interim measures being introduced. That often includes occupied residential buildings, and some student accommodation, where remediation has not yet been completed and a simultaneous evacuation strategy, supported by temporary controls, has been put in place.
Typical scenarios include buildings with:
- Unsafe external wall systems or cladding concerns
- Compartmentation issues or inadequate fire stopping
- Fire safety defects that have made “stay put” no longer appropriate
- Ongoing Waking Watch costs that are becoming difficult to sustain
The fund is not just about reducing cost. It can also help responsible persons introduce a more dependable interim control measure while occupied buildings continue through remediation planning and delivery.
Why the fund matters for buildings on Waking Watch
Waking Watch can be deployed quickly, but it remains a manual and resource-heavy control. It relies on continuous patrols, clear procedures and consistent human performance. Where remediation is delayed, that short-term measure can remain in place far longer than originally intended.
For many buildings, an interim alarm system can be a more practical next step. It introduces automatic detection and warning, reduces dependence on round-the-clock patrols and can lower the operational burden on those managing fire risk.
This is where IMAF becomes important. It may support a move from manual patrols to a more structured interim alarm solution without placing the full upfront installation cost on the building.
What the fund covers
GOV.UK guidance states that IMAF meets the costs of fire alarm installation to replace Waking Watch measures, or mitigate the need for them, in eligible residential buildings in England.
The fund covers the reasonable capital costs of installing a common fire alarm system, rather than remediation works themselves. That makes it especially relevant to buildings that need a defensible control measure now, while broader remediation programmes continue in parallel.
At a glance
- Government funding for interim fire alarm systems
- Managed by Homes England
- For eligible residential buildings in England
- Supports replacement of, or reduced reliance on, Waking Watch
Eligibility, evidence requirements and application details should always be checked against the latest official guidance before submission.
How the application process works
Homes England provides dedicated guidance covering who can apply, what information is needed and how evidence should be submitted. Applicants should review the main IMAF guidance, the application guidance and the application page before starting.
In broad terms, building teams should expect to prepare building-specific details, outline the proposed interim alarm approach and provide the information needed to support assessment and payment.
- Review the current IMAF guidance and eligibility criteria
- Gather building information and supporting evidence
- Define the proposed interim fire alarm solution
- Submit the application through the Homes England route
- Proceed in line with any approval, conditions and payment requirements
Because applications are evidence-led, it is worth making sure the proposed system design, building strategy and installation approach are clearly considered before submission.
What to consider before applying
Before applying for funding, responsible persons should look beyond the question of whether they want to stop Waking Watch and focus on whether the proposed interim alarm solution is appropriate for the building, the occupation profile and the wider remediation pathway.
| Consideration | Why it matters | What to review |
|---|---|---|
| Building risk profile | The interim measure must align with the building’s actual fire risks | Fire risk assessment, evacuation strategy and known defects |
| Nature of the proposed works | The solution should be proportionate to the building and stage of remediation | Whether the system is a temporary control measure or linked to wider works |
| Installation impact | Occupied buildings often require minimal disruption | Access requirements, cabling impact and time on site |
| Ongoing management | The interim solution still needs maintenance and clear ownership | Testing, servicing, monitoring and resident communication |
A defensible interim strategy should be based on competent professional input, appropriate design and a solution that can be installed and managed with minimal disruption to residents.
Funding does not transfer responsibility for fire safety, which remains with the Responsible Person, and it is not a substitute for remediation.
Download the IMAF guide
Get the guide by email for a practical summary of IMAF, including what the fund covers, what to consider before applying, and how Cygnus can support the move away from Waking Watch.
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How Cygnus supports interim alarm strategies
Cygnus wireless fire detection is designed to help responsible persons and project teams transition away from Waking Watch with rapid installation, minimal disruption and a more cost-effective route to interim protection.
On Cygnus’ current Waking Watch pages, the focus is on helping buildings stand down patrol-based measures faster through wireless fire detection that can be installed far more quickly than many traditional wired alternatives, without hard wiring beyond the panel.
That matters in occupied residential buildings, where intrusive installation routes can slow delivery, increase disruption and complicate already sensitive projects. A wireless approach can make it easier to introduce automatic detection while remediation plans continue to evolve.
Looking to replace Waking Watch with an interim alarm system?
Cygnus can help you assess the right wireless approach for your building and support a faster transition from manual patrols to automatic fire detection where appropriate.
Contact Cygnus on 01432 279 000 or sales@cygnus-systems.com.
Which Cygnus system is right for your building?
The right interim alarm system depends on the size, complexity and device requirements of the building. Cygnus offers two strong options for residential Waking Watch replacement strategies.
Cygnus SN-100
A strong fit for smaller and mid-sized residential projects where fast installation, straightforward deployment and robust wireless performance are priorities.
Cygnus SN-Pro
Ideal for larger, more complex buildings that need greater scale and flexibility while still benefiting from a fully wireless, EN 54 certified solution.
For building teams navigating IMAF, the priority is choosing a system that aligns with the interim fire strategy, can be delivered efficiently and remains practical to manage while remediation continues.
