Don’t get caught cold – get ready for winter in East Dunbartonshire

Findings from a recent survey carried out jointly by the British Red Cross and the Scottish Government showed that:

* 39 per cent of people said they were prepared for periods of severe weather

* People are most concerned about power cuts, being cut off from water supply or disruption to fuel supplies (41 per cent)

* The vast majority of car owners (76 per cent) think they are doing enough to prepare for poor driving conditions with just an ice-scraper and de-icer

In the last three years parts of Scotland have been badly affected by severe weather – from the damaging storms of early 2012 to the snow and freezing temperatures of the previous two winters, which were among the worst in decades.

Launching this year’s campaign, Minister for Transport and Veterans Keith Brown said: “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 on them at home, before setting out on journeys, in their communities, and at their place of work.

“Our weather can change quickly and this year we have already seen some people affected by floods and high winds.

“We need to keep getting the message out to families, businesses and communities across Scotland about the need to get ready for all kinds of severe weather.

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

“I am delighted that again we are working closely 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.”

A national roadshow will also take to the streets, visiting all local authority areas across the country, offering practical information and guidance on preparing for all kinds of severe weather.

For more information log on at: www.readyscotland.org

Scottish Water is encouraging customers to ensure homes and businesses are protected and prepared for winter.

‘Protect your pipes - Be prepared’ is the water authority’s winter message.

Meanwhile, East Dunbartonshire Council is backing the national campaign to ensure Scotland is better prepared this year.

Last year’s prolonged winter weather affected much of Scotland, but the council says by thinking about how our families, businesses and communities could be affected, we can start to plan how to be better prepared and how, by taking a few simple steps, we can get ready for winter now.

The council is holding two roadshows in November, one in Kirkintilloch and the other in Milngavie.

They will offer practical advice to members of the public on how to be safe in their home, when out in their car and how to prepare for the winter.

The council is also being supported by partner agencies, including Police, Fire and Health.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: “Getting ready for winter is something we all need to do. Whether it’s at home, in the community, or behind the wheel, we all need to consider how we can get ready for winter and help Scotland be better prepared.”

A Ready for Winter roadshow will take place in Kirkintilloch Community Hub on Tuesday, November 13, 10am-4pm.

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