Get set for winter with Ready Scotland

Nov 21 2012

Are you ready for winter?

New research shows only two in five scots actually are.

People across the country are being advised to plan ahead and get ready for winter after new research shows only two fifths of Scots are prepared for all kinds of severe weather.

The new research conducted jointly by the British Red Cross and the Scottish Government, and published this month highlights that Scots were most concerned about power cuts, being cut off from water or disruption to fuel supplies.

It also revealed that over three quarters of car owners think they are doing enough to prepare with just an ice-scraper and de-icer.

By doing a few small things now we can save a lot of trouble later. Launching the Ready for Winter? campaign this year, Minister for Transport Keith Brown said: “Being prepared for winter and all kinds of severe weather is something we all need to take responsibility for.

“One of the key drivers behind this year’s campaign is to encourage everyone in Scotland to start thinking about how severe weather could impact them, at home, before setting out on journeys, in their communities, and at their place of work.

“We all know that Scotland’s weather can change quickly and this year we’ve already seen some people badly affected as floods and high-winds struck.

“The research shows there is still work to be done in getting the message out to families, businesses and communities across Scotland about the need to prepare for all forms of severe weather.

“By thinking ahead, we can help the country be better prepared, building safer and stronger communities to deal with the consequences of severe weather.

“Our preparedness campaign shows the simple steps we can take to achieve this.

“I am delighted we are again working with the British Red Cross to deliver the campaign. We are also working in partnership with Scottish local authorities and a wide range of other partners across the public, voluntary and private sectors.”

With the seasons changing, the ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign encourages people from communities across Scotland to be ready for all kinds of severe weather that can affect day to day life - like high winds, flooding, snow and ice.

So, how prepared are you? Have you started making a household plan or packing an emergency kit? Taking action now will help make Scotland better prepared.

David Miller, Red Cross operations director, said: “Severe weather can take many forms – not just snow and ice – it is vital we are all prepared for it at home, on the road and in the community.

“Last winter was the mildest in years, yet many people in Scotland still suffered hardship and inconvenience due to high winds and flooding which resulted in temporary loss of utilities and caused damage.

“We cannot legislate for weather but we can make life easier for ourselves if we take a few simple steps to prepare for it

“To help us identify risks and how we can prepare ourselves for adverse weather or other emergency situations, the Ready Scotland website lots of useful information to advise people on how to prepare.

“There’s also information about how to help in the community, especially keeping in touch with vulnerable neighbours, family or friends”.

If you’re not online you can find out all you need to know at the Ready for Winter? roadshow, visiting 64 locations around Scotland in October and November.

Instead of worrying about what the weather might bring, why not find out what you can do now get prepared.

Some smart thinking and easy planning could make all the difference.

●For more helpful tips and info visit www.readyscotland.org