Preparing for winter weather
There are simple steps you can take to stay safe, warm and well
in the event of bad weather.
Visit www.readyscotland.org for information on
the national 'Ready for Winter?' campaign and take the readiness
quiz to help you be better prepared.
Your home
- Insulate your pipes in your loft or basement. See www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
for more information on insulation.
- Keep your heating on overnight at a low temperature so pipes
won't freeze - simply turn your thermostat down to 15 degrees
Celsius.
- If you can't heat all your rooms, keep your living room warm
throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed.
- If you are finding it hard to heat your home, call the Energy
Saving Trust Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012, for advice on
making your home more energy efficient, and benefits and tax
credits that may be available.
- Make a household plan, including emergency contact numbers, and
collect together the items that will be essential to you and your
family in an emergency.
- Prepare an emergency kit that contains what you would need.
This could be:
- a battery operated torch and radio, and spare
batteries (or a wind-up torch and radio)
- Medication, toiletries and a first aid kit
- Three days' supply of bottled water and ready to eat
food (that won't go off)
- Copies of important documents like insurance policies
and birth certificates
- Pet supplies
- Spare keys to your home and car
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
• Know how to turn off your water at source should pipes
burst by identifying where your stopcock is in your house which
cuts the main water supply to your property.
Your health
- A balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy; eat at
least one hot meal a day. Soup is nutritious and warming, and
inexpensive to make or buy.
- It may sound obvious but wearing the right clothes will keep
you warmer -layers are best, t-shirts under clothes to keep the
base of your back warm will heat you from the core
- Stay active. If the weather prevents you getting outside, stay
active indoors - catch up on all the household tasks you've been
putting off.
- Talk - especially if you've been housebound for a couple of
days. Lift the phone and call friends and family for a blether.
Your mental wellbeing needs to stay warm too.
Road safety
- Make essential journeys only - listen to the warnings being
given on radio or TV. If you have to go out, dress warmly so you
are prepared if you get stuck or delayed.
- If you must travel, make sure that you are fully prepared for
all events and conditions. Contact people at your destination and
seek advice about local road conditions before making the decision
to travel. Allow extra time for your journey, reduce your speed and
allow more time to stop than usual. Don't brake suddenly: drop down
a gear to let your engine help with the braking instead. Above
all, anticipate possible problems ahead.
- Wherever possible, use main routes which are likely to have
been treated. Gritting helps to prevent ice forming and melt any
ice and snow which is already there. However, it does not
automatically make roads ice-free.
- De-ice your car fully so you can see through all windows. Clear
the roof -snow sliding over your front or back window whilst
driving could cause an accident.
- Carry a bit of old carpet or cardboard to put under your car's
driving wheels if you get stuck
- Ensure your car has plenty of fuel in case you need to keep the
engine running to heat the interior while waiting for help. Make
sure that the vehicle is in good working order, including good
maintenance, brakes, tyres, lights and the heating system.
- Carry a shovel in the boot of your car and let someone know
your destination and estimated arrival time. Carry a blanket or
sleeping bag in case you get stuck and have to wait for help.
- Powdery snow and strong winds are probably the most difficult
conditions to deal with as they will cause drifting. In this case
you should avoid travelling if at all possible.
- USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT if possible - bus routes are more likely
to be cleared and gritted.
Your Community
Some people feel more vulnerable in winter and would benefit
from a helping hand from their neighbours. You could help
by:
- Having the phone numbers to hand of family or friends who may
need help if severe weather strikes
- Offering to help with grocery shopping or other essential
tasks
- Clearing ice or snow from your pathway
- Your community can get ready for winter by agreeing what you,
your neighbours and your colleagues can do on your own and together
to minimise the effects of winter weather where you live and
work
- You can volunteer to help others during winter by contacting www.volunteerscotland.org.uk
