Winter preparedness

Scotland experienced very cold winter weather during the last few years causing disruption to people, communities and businesses.  Over the past few weeks SEPA's Resilience Team, supported by SEPA Managers and staff, have been working with Scottish Government and partner agencies to improve our general ability to respond to prolonged severe weather and to refine public messaging in the lead up to Winter 2012/13.  Information about how to protect yourself, your home, your family, your travel and your business is available on the Ready Scotland external link website. 

The following advice is provided for SEPA staff:

Your home

Your family’s health:

Consider the need to restock your medicine cabinet by ordering and collecting your repeat prescription(s) before the festive holidays.  Remember that your GP surgery is likely to be closed for four days at Christmas and four days at New Year.

Your family's comfort:

  • Protect your water pipes from freezing;
  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel for your main heating source and a secondary heating source should that fail;
  • Clear paths and access to your property to ease access and prevent injury;
  • Prepare a personal emergency kit should you have to leave your property.

Your peace of mind:

  • Are your pets and animals protected from severe weather?
  • If you are leaving your property for any reason do friends and family have access in an emergency?
  • Do friends and family know where you are and how to contact you?

Your work

Keep in touch with your line manager:

  • SEPA’s first priority is the health and safety of its staff;
  • You should make best endeavours to get to work without putting yourself at risk – check the weather forecasts and the latest advice from the Police;
  • If travel to work is dangerous please liaise with your line manager about either working from an alternative SEPA office, working from home, or taking annual or flexi leave.

Your travel 

Plan your journey - before you travel:

  • What is the weather forecast?
  • Are transport services running to their normal schedule or are there delays, cancellations and closures?
  • Do you need to travel or can you vary the time you need to arrive at your destination?
  • Have you planned for the extra time required to travel in severe weather?
  • Do you know how to change your driving style to suit severe weather and equip your vehicle for winter conditions? 
  •  If you get delayed or stuck on your journey, can you keep yourself warm and comfortable and have you got means of communication?

Your community

  • Can you share transport with people in your community?
  • Can you offer transport or offer to get supplies to those in your community less able to get out in severe weather?
  • Can you contribute to community efforts to clear paths and drives?
  • Is there a focal point in your community which helps you help one-another?  If not can you create one?