Tayside prepares for winter
On the day a national campaign launches to get Scotland ready for winter, agencies from across Tayside came together to prepare the local response to harsh winter weather.
Representatives from a number of organisations including Tayside Fire and Rescue Services, Tayside Police, Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross Councils, NHS Tayside and the voluntary sector, took part in a scenario planning exercise that looked at providing co-ordinated responses to the challenges of severe winter weather.
The event was organised by the Tayside Strategic Co-ordinating Group partnership which brings together organisations involved in responding to emergency situations in Tayside.
Partners working together
Dave Stapely, Area Manager, Tayside Fire and Rescue said:
"Various organisations have a role to play in helping communities affected by severe winter weather. The more co-ordinated we are the more effective our response will be. In Tayside there is a strong commitment among all key responders to working together, and tried-and-tested procedures that direct our joint working. Today is about bringing organisations together and taking another opportunity to test our response procedures in practice."
The event took place in Perth Fire Station and was attended by nearly fifty people.
Councillor Ian Miller, Chair of the Community Planning Partnership and Leader of Perth & Kinross Council said:
"The severe weather of last winter was obviously challenging for everyone. Every organisation here today is making our own individual plans for responding to winter this year. Where we serve the same communities however, working together is key to delivering the most effective service we can which is why exercises like this one are so valuable."
The event was opened by Chief Constable Justine Curran who said:
"I am delighted to welcome representatives from such a wide range of organisations. The breadth of experience and expertise that we bring together underlines how effective we can be for our communities when we work in partnership."
National winter campaign launched
The exercise co-incided with the launch of the Red Cross/Scottish Government's national ?Ready for winter?' campaign.
The campaign provides information on steps everyone can take, in the home, the car and in the community, to be better prepared for winter.
It highlights that getting ready for winter is something we all need to do, and can do by taking a few simple steps.
These steps include for example keeping a battery operated or wind-up radio handy, clearing ice or snow from your path, or looking out for neighbours who may need a helping hand.
Information is being made available via local and national media, as well as on the Scottish Government's website.
