Scottish Government warning about looming winter
The Scottish Government has launched a public awareness campaign to prepare the country for what is expected to be a third freezing winter in a row.
The 'Ready for Winter?' campaign is being delivered in partnership with the British Red Cross and a range of public, private and voluntary sector partners.
It comes on the back of research which shows the majority of Scots are concerned about the prospect of severe weather episodes, that most don't feel personally prepared for an emergency situation, and that many people would welcome information and advice on how to prepare and cope.
The 'Ready for Winter?' campaign:
* reminds individuals and families of the risks and consequences of being underprepared for the impact of severe winter weather.
* Offers information and advice on the simple steps that people, businesses and communities can take to reduce those risks
* Highlights the range of information, support and resources available across all sectors and all regions of Scotland
* Encourages as many people as possible to be ready for winter this year
The new campaign will include a range of online resources and will feature on TV, national and local press, news websites and social media, and is due to run until mid-November.
It follows a call from the British Red Cross for specific public resilience campaign work, similar to that already delivered in a number of other countries.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Scotland's Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, said: "No-one can say with any certainty what this winter might bring, but after the severe weather conditions we experienced in the past two years, we have worked with all our partners in the public, private and voluntary sector to learn the lessons and improve and invest in our services so that we are in a position to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
"The evidence of the last two winters has shown that individuals and communities are stronger when they help themselves and help others.
"We also know that people want to be better prepared for whatever conditions they might have to face, and are looking for advice and information to help them get ready for winter.
"That's why we have been delighted to link up with the British Red Cross to deliver this first-ever severe weather preparedness campaign, which will also involve Scottish councils and a wide range of other partners.
"This is about letting people know that there are small but sensible steps they can take now that will help individuals and families cope if extreme weather hits their communities, allowing them to continue their day-to-day lives with as little disruption and discomfort as possible."
He added: "Getting ready for winter is something we all need to do. This campaign will show the simple steps we can all take to achieve this, and play our part in helping Scotland be better prepared, whatever the weather throws at us."
Norman McKinley, director of the British Red Cross in Scotland, said: "Winter can be tough on everyone - especially vulnerable people - but there's a lot we can do to prepare ourselves for severe weather.
"The Red Cross is pleased to be working in partnership with the Scottish Government to help people get ready for winter.
"If everyone asks themselves how prepared they are in the home, on the road and in the community and takes steps to prepare for the season ahead, the problems of winter can be greatly reduced."
Councillor Pat Watters, president of local authority body Cosla, urged people to look out for the most vulnerable.
He said: "The last few winters have delivered some of the most severe weather to effect Scottish communities in nearly a century.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the numerous examples of public service providers, groups and individuals going above and beyond expectations to support the vulnerable members of society and their community in general during these testing conditions.
"Given the experiences of the recent past winters, I would encourage all of Scotland to continue to support and if not already, to get involved in community initiatives to prepare for winter.
"Also, I would ask you to take a second to consider personally "Are you ready for Winter?" If the answer is not a resounding "Yes", then this campaign does contain a number of tips and general advice to enable you to reduce the impact of severe weather on your family, community, home and car.
"Finally, if significant winter weather does occur it will effect the delivery of all public services and also lead to a particular concentration on the delivery of services to the vulnerable members of our society.
"I know that even in these testing conditions, local government staff as in previously winters will strive to continue to deliver quality public services. Conditions may prevail but it won't be for want of trying."
For more information see www.readyscotland.org
Research published today looks at emergency preparedness in Scotland.
The research was carried out using the Scottish Opinion Survey (SOS) during the period 25-31 May 2011 and a total of 1,039 interviews was achieved.
The full research report can be found at http://www.readyscotland.org/ready-government/preparedness-research/
