Pioneering fire safety system for North East residents written by
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue 1369057980
on the 20
th May 2013 at 14:53
- Posted in Fire Blog
Residents who live in a high-rise block in Gateshead town centre will be safer from fire, thanks to some newly installed ground breaking fire safety work. Regent Court, a ten-storey block with 160 flats, is being fitted with an innovative sprinkler system. Each flat and all communal areas will be protected to make sure all of the residents will have ultimate life-saving protection. This refurbishment is part of a multi-million pound investment scheme by The Gateshead Housing Company and Gateshead Council to upgrade fire safety measures in over 20 residential high rise accommodation blocks across the borough. Resident Pat Finlay is thrilled to be one of the first to benefit from the system. Pat said: "The work only took a few days to complete. "I've now got smoke alarms to give me the early warning of fire and sprinklers in every room which will contain a fire, if one occurs, until the Fire and Rescue Service arrives. "Staff from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have carried out a home safety check to highlight any potential hazards which may cause a fire in my flat and they have given me simple actions to follow should a fire occur, which is, get out, stay out, shut the doors and call 999. I feel so much safer." Councillor Peter Mole, who represents Gateshead on the Tyne and Wear Fire Authority said: "I believe that this is the first installation of sprinklers in an existing high rise building with mixed residential use in the UK, so I am pleased that Gateshead is leading the way with this fantastic programme. "This important investment by Gateshead Council and The Gateshead Housing Company will ensure that our residents, especially the most vulnerable, will benefit from the best possible protection from fire." Assistant Chief Fire Officer, John Baines, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “Whilst smoke alarm activation can give people the early warning of fire, clear evidence suggests that the installation of sprinklers is the single most effective measure in protecting occupants from fire. "A fire death in a building with sprinklers fitted is extremely rare, where the sprinkler is appropriately designed, fully operational and maintained. “This is why Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is fully committed to campaigning for the installation of sprinklers in new build or existing homes, together with non-domestic premises. John continues: "The sprinkler installation at Regent Court is just one element of a host of fire safety measures being upgraded, such as improved fire safety doors and emergency lighting, which will ensure the residents, especially our most vulnerable, stay much safer from fire in the future." Neil Bouch, Director of Customers and Communities at The Gateshead Housing Company, said: "The Company sees the fire safety work as vitally important. The safety and security of our tenants and leaseholders is our top priority and we are delighted to have worked with Gateshead Council and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service on such an innovative scheme. Neil continues: "The fitting of a sprinkler system to an existing high rise building with mixed residential use has never been done before in the UK and we are delighted to have led the way in ensuring our high-rise residents stay even safer in their homes.” For more information on the benefits of sprinklers go to: http://www.twfire.gov.uk/community-safety/business/sprinkler-systems/
