The council regularly carries out reviews of the emergency procedures that are put into action for major events such as serious flooding, severe winter weather and other incidents.
Cllr Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council said: “Following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, and aftermath, the council is acutely aware of the importance of a swift and robust response to such an incident from the local authority.
“We would like to reassure residents and communities that Northumberland County Council has detailed plans in place to respond to major incidents, which are regularly tested.
“Over the last week we have been looking at a number of issues with the aim of providing reassurance that suitable procedures are in place and that we have confidence in our processes.”
The council regularly reviews and updates its plans, including how it works with partner agencies to resolve emergency issues and restore normality as soon as is possible. To test arrangements, the council undertakes exercises and trains for these scenarios - including planning how people would be rehoused if their homes were lost or damaged.
This planning ensures the council is ready to act when such a situation arises, as was the case early in December 2015 when Storm Desmond hit the region with devastating effect.
The county council’s emergency severe weather response plans were activated and a multi-agency control room was established at Northumbria Fire & Rescue Service’s HQ at West Hartford, where Police, Fire and Rescue, Environment Agency and County Council staff converged to put in place a co-ordinated response to the incident.
Departments across the council have been working proactively following the Grenfell Tower fire, to provide reassurance that safety procedures are in place and that there is every confidence in processes.
Whilst Northumberland does not have any residential tower blocks of the type involved in the Grenfell Tower tragedy, there are residential low rise premises of up to four storeys. There are also premises within Northumberland which are fitted with external cladding and the council is working to establish the type and make of those panels.
As part of a wide range of measures, the county council will also be liaising with external partners and contacting premises across the county to provide an offer of support, advice and guidance on fire safety matters and asking that they take steps to satisfy themselves that there are no safety concerns for the premises for which they are responsible.
View the full article at Northumberland County Council
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