PLAN STORMS
People across Scotland are being urged to prepare for winter so they can help deal with whatever the weather has in store.
As the weather starts to get colder, the Scottish government’s Ready for Winter? campaign is encouraging people act now before the more extreme weather arrives.
Recent winters have confirmed what we all know – that Scottish weather is highly unpredictable and preparing well is crucial to dealing with whatever weather or events may occur.
The campaign, run in partnership with the British Red Cross, sets out the simple steps we can all take in the home, before a journeyj y (whether driving,g cyclingyg or on foot), at work and in our communities.
It also encourages people to look out for and help vulnerable people in their community, as well as reminding businesses of the need to be prepared and the public to be safe when going outside.
Research commissioned by the Scottish government and the British Red Cross found while 40 percent of Scots are concerned about extreme weather emergencies, only 41 percent believe they are actually prepared for them.
Minister for Transport and Veterans Keith Brown said: “In the past five years, parts of Scotland have been badly affected by severe weather ranging from snow and freezing temperatures to high winds and blizzards, and we also saw the impact of flooding in south-west England last winter.
“The unpredictability of weather patterns means we cannot simply hope that we will miss the worst of it.
“And while we can’t stop the weather causing disruption, we can be well prepared to deal with it.
“Our winter preparedness campaign reminds us of this and the simple actions we can all take to get ready: in the home, before a journey, at our place of work and in our communities. This will serve us well not just throughout the winter months, but all year round and in a range of emergency situations.”
David Miller, director of the British Red Cross in Scotland, said: “Making sure you are prepared now for winter can make a huge difference when extreme weather hits. “At the Red Cross we know that severe weather, including snow and floods, can have serious consequences. “However, with a few
simple steps you can make yourself and others ready for the disruption winter weather can bring.
“You can prepare an emergency kit for your home and car, jot down your emergency phone numbers and check on any neighbours, family or friends to see if they need any help. You can also make sure you know what the plan at your workplace is.
“Each year the Red Cross helps people across Scotland cope with the effects of severe weather and this winter, as always, we’ll be prepared and ready.”