Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Council set up simple steps to help with winter safety
The team at North Lanarkshire Council have shared some simple steps to help residents stay safe over the winter months.
At home, on the roads and in communities, there is information and advice on the local authority’s website to help people be prepared, while updates will also be available from Twitter.
Residents are advised to keep a supply of essential items, such as non-perishable food, water, medicines, nappies, baby food and pet food, at home in case bad weather prevents them getting out. They are also asked to look out for neighbours who might be vulnerable or on their own, and make sure they are warm and have the shopping they need.
“As the weather is turning colder, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for the winter months ahead,” said Councillor Michael Mcpake, convener of the environment and transportation committee.
“Our website has advice on how to keep your home warm and prevent burst pipes, as well as information on cold weather payments for older people and others. If you’re out and about, have an emergency kit in your car, keep your mobile charged and check travel reports before you set out.
“Grit bins have been filled and salt is available in communities so I would encourage residents, where possible, to have small stock at home ready to treat the pavement or street around the homes when we have frosty or icy conditions.
“I would also ask everyone to check in with elderly or vulnerable neighbours, who might find it difficult to get out to the shops for everyday items or to see family or friends. A few minutes to say hello and ask if they need anything could make a big difference.”
The council’s partner Amey Public Services has already been gritting priority routes when temperatures have been low, and they will continue to monitor the weather and treat roads and footpaths when needed.
The local authority’s priority is to keep main roads clear and it does not have the capacity to treat residential streets so grit bins are available in communities across North Lanarkshire for residents to keep their local paths and streets clear.
Up to 20kg of salt is available to residents at the council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres during the winter period.
In addition, this year, salt is available at 14 locations across North Lanarkshire to make it easier for residents to collect small quantities for use on local residential streets.
The locations are: Ian Nicholson Centre, Chryston; Salsburgh Community Centre; Shotts Leisure Centre; Burnhead Community Centre, Viewpark; Wishaw Sports Centre; Pivot Centre, Moodiesburn; Airdrie Leisure Centre; Sir Matt Busby Sports Centre, Bellshill; Time Capsule, Coatbridge; Croy park and ride; Newmains Community Trust Centre; Broadwood Leisure Centre, Cumbernauld; Kilsyth Sports Centre; and Aquatec, Motherwell.
Community resilience packs are available for voluntary organisations to use in their local areas, in the event of severe weather; these include items such as first aid kits, torches, snow shovels, foil blankets, gloves and high-vis vests.