Residents in need or distressed are being reminded their local fire station is a ‘safe haven’.
Lynsey McVay, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, and Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness alongside one of the alarm bells / call boxes.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service says all of its 17 community fire stations can be used to help somebody in need, where they can safely raise the alarm.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our doors are always open for anyone who is seeking help or assistance.
“We are always associated with protecting the public by fighting fires and rescuing people, but we also believe that we have an essential responsibility of keeping people safe from harm through being a safe haven for people to find solace at a time of need or distress.
“Each fire station has a bell at the front door to alert the station crew.
"If the crew are out at the time, a call box can be found at the entrance to help gain assistance and support from our Fire Control Room. This team are based at our Service Headquarters, which is staffed 24-hours-a-day.
“We will continue to work closely with our colleagues across the emergency services including the offices of the Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner – in our quest to help keeping people safe.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Our fire stations are often a key part of what makes us feel safe in our local neighbourhood.
"I don’t want anyone to find themselves in a situation where they feel unsafe or need urgent help but it’s good to know that if you do, help is very much there.”