Joint winter resilience message issued to north-east communities
While our thoughts will be focused on preparing for the forthcoming festive celebrations, north-east communities are being reminded to get ready for the winter weather we can expect over the coming weeks and months.
Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City councils – together with Police Scotland – are encouraging residents and businesses to consider how they might respond to a severe weather incident.
The winter months can throw all sorts at us in the North-east – it might bring snow or ice, high winds and power disruption or flooding.
Councils and other partners will always try to deliver as many services as they can, no matter the situation, but the reality is that they might also be impacted. To help, you can get prepared and be ready for disruption and taking a few simple steps can improve your own personal or household resilience.
Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, the two local authorities are Category 1 responders, with the Emergency Planning Team developing resilience arrangements within communities so that they can support one another during disruptive events.
Many communities across the City and Shire have come together to create resilience groups to assist their local area and help those most vulnerable, supported by a wide range of council services in emergency situations.
While council teams are keeping our streets safe and keeping people on the move through their significant winter maintenance operations, communities can also do their part to be ready for whatever the winter throws at them.
Cllr Gillian Owen, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “Winter weather brings a number of challenges for the north-east of Scotland and not all just due to lower temperatures alone. High winds, heavy rain, snow and ice can slow us down or even prevent us leaving our homes at their most severe. That’s why making sure your home is ready for winter can help prevent unwanted surprises when the temperature drops, and now is a good time to be thinking about taking action. With a little early preparation at your house and for your car, winter could be just a little easier to navigate this year.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Winter storms can mean electricity blackouts and disruption to gas supplies so we’d ask all citizens to be prepared for these situations. People should also be ready for snow, ice, and wind as they can disrupt day-to-day lives – a plan for these weathers is sensible and particularly if you are more vulnerable. This could be as simple as asking a relative, neighbour, or friend to get some milk and bread for you to help out.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard added: “People are reminded it is their responsibility to be ready and prepared for adverse weather conditions which includes residents who live in flood-prone areas. Preparations can include ensuring you have an emergency plan and if in an area prone to flooding, ensuring you have adequate flood protection in place beforehand.”
Police Scotland have also issued a plea for motorists to get prepared as well as their vehicles for winter conditions – which can make a key difference when it comes to being safe on the roads.
North East Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen, explains: “Weather can be unpredictable and making sure your vehicle is prepared for adverse conditions can make all the difference. Being visible is also really important, not just for vehicles and bicycles but for all road users. If a weather warning is in place, the advice remains the same – listen to media broadcasts, follow Traffic Scotland ,share travel information with others and adhere to safety advice such as obeying road closures. You can plan ahead by checking your route and the weather forecast, your windscreen washer levels, be prepared for increased stopping distances and extra time for your journey.”
But should the worst happen, there is advice an out there to help you deal with an unexpected situation:
POWER
SSEN Distribution looks after the wires and cables that bring electricity to your home. If you lose power, call 105 – it’s free of charge and will put you through to your local network operator who can give you help and advice Download SSEN’s free Power Track app for local power cut information and updates or visit: www.ssen.co.uk/powertrack
WATER
Scottish Water has prepared a video on what to do if you have a burst pipe https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/en/Help-and-Resources/Video-Library/What-to-do-if-a-pipe-bursts
ROADS
Taking extra care on the roads is essential when winter weather poses challenges and the RAC also has a range of advice around winter driving including how to reduce the chance of breaking down in cold weather, how to demist your windscreen in double-quick time, and what to do if your car won’t start in the cold. https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/
SIGN UP FOR SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS
Of course, keeping a check on Met Office weather warnings and SEPA flood alerts is just as important, especially when advice is not to travel at all: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings
https://www.sepa.org.uk/environment/water/flooding/
GET ONTO THE PRIORITY SERVICES REGISTER (PSR)
The Priority Services Register is a free UK wide service which provides extra help to those that need it during power cuts or when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply. www.psrscotland.com
PREPARE A GRAB BAG
As we’ve seen during recent storms, flooding and other emergencies can occur quickly and with little warning. Taking steps now to minimise the impact of an emergency does not need any special knowledge, and it will take just a few minutes of your time to make preparations.
A key part of your preparations will be to prepare an Emergency ‘Grab Bag’. If you have to evacuate your home, it will make things a lot easier if you have prepared a ‘Grab Bag’ in advance containing a packing list to follow should you
need to use it. When putting together a “grab bag” you should include:
• Any medication that may be required for family members
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Essential keys including house and car
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• A change of clothing. Footwear and sleeping attire
• Washing, shaving and sanitary supplies
• Any special items for babies, children, elderly and disabled people
• Mobile phone and charger
For more helpful information around preparing your own emergency plan, visit www.Ready.scot