FIRE services and housing organisations across the region are reviewing procedures and contacting residents in light of the devastating blaze at Grenfell Tower in London.

David Langhorne, assets and development director at Your Homes Newcastle, said: “We would like to reassure all of our tenants that we work very closely with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and all of our multi-story blocks receive an annual fire risk assessment.

“We will be speaking to our fire service colleagues over the coming days and will of course respond to any updated advice following this event accordingly.

“Naturally, we understand that many of our tenants will have concerns after seeing what happened in London and we would advise anyone who is worried to contact our property maintenance team on 0191 278 8574 or via property.maintenance@yhn.org.uk.

The Northern Echo:

Fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London. Picture: PA

“We would also like to repeat the advice we already give to those living in our multi-story blocks, which is always to call 999 immediately after discovering a fire and to evacuate if you can.

“We would also advise all of our tenants to look out for advice from the fire service and to follow it in all cases – we would always help our tenants in any sort of emergency situation, but their first port of call must be the fire service.”

John Craggs, chief executive of Wearside social housing company Gentoo, said: “We are confident we exceed all statutory and regulatory requirements in relation to fire safety and we work jointly with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) on what is one of our key priorities.

“From a customer safety perspective, we have a range of safety measures in place, including: Extensive fire and heat detection measures; 24 hour concierge service which monitors fire alarm activations in individual flats; Providing residents with fire prevention advice in conjunction with TWFRS.

“Our local teams will be contacting customers living in high rise buildings across Sunderland over the coming days to reinforce the measures listed above and to confirm our ongoing commitment to keeping them safe."

Mr Craggs said Gentoo carry out fire risk assessments to priority buildings on an annual basis.

"The most recent assessment was carried out by an external independent specialist, which gave us further assurance on the effectiveness of the measures we have in place," he said.

“To ensure continued compliance, we also have a rigid Permit to Work Policy which prevents unauthorised work from being carried out in these buildings.

“We continue to work in partnership with TWFRS and last year worked together on a number of initiatives, including emergency training exercises for fires in high rise buildings and the installation of a full sprinkler system at our D’arcy Court high rise, which was part of planned modernisation programme.

“In light of recent events, we will of course be reviewing our policies and procedures around fire safety in conjunction with TWFRS.”

Cleveland Fire Brigade said it wanted to reassure residents living in high rise buildings who may have safety concerns, and would offer them a home fire safety visit.

A spokesman added: “Residents should note that fires of this nature are extremely rare. High-rise buildings are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke and provide a safe means of escape for occupants and most fires are contained within the room of origin.

“We work with both partners and housing providers to ensure that these premises comply with fire safety legislation and brigade officers undertake regular inspections of the buildings throughout the Cleveland area.

“It is vital that people know what to do in the event of a fire so that they can protect themselves and their families. This is particularly important for the more vulnerable members of our communities, such as the over-60s, under-fives and people with mobility issues. The following advice is intended to keep you safe should a fire occur.”

Advice for people living in high-rise accommodation:

  • Make an escape plan so that you and your family are fully prepared if there's a fire in your flat.
  • Make sure exits are kept clear of obstructions, and doors to stairways are not damaged or faulty.
  • If it is too dangerous to follow your escape route because the stairs and hallways are filled with smoke, ring 999 and stay inside the safest room.
  • Keep the door closed and use towels or bedding at the bottom of the door to block the smoke.
  • If you're trapped, go to the balcony - but don’t think about jumping. Wait for the fire and rescue service.
  • Use the stairs, not the lift, when leaving the building in the event of a fire.
  • If there’s a fire in another flat in the building, you’re usually safest in your own home, unless you’re affected by the heat or smoke.
  • In the event of a fire, never assume that someone else has called 999. Make sure your neighbours know about the fire. Bang on their doors on your way out.
  • Never tamper with internal fire mains (dry riser) inlets on landings. These provide water to firefighters when there’s an emergency. It could cost lives if they’re not working properly when there’s a fire.
  • If you see a dry riser vandalised or damaged, report it immediately to the manager of the building.
  • Never park so you block access to high-rise flats. Access roads are designed so that fire engines can get as close as possible to fight fires.
  • Please don't start cooking if you are very tired or have consumed a lot of alcohol.
  • If you smoke, make sure you put your cigarettes out properly, and don’t smoke in bed.
  • Residents living in high-rise properties in Cleveland can request a free home fire safety visit by calling 01429 874063.