With temperatures across the Lothians plummeting and snow expected across Edinburgh, Scottish Gas is forecasting an increase in calls to its customer services team next week – and is urging residents to take action. Continue reading Warning for residents as snow hits Edinburgh
· Many people in are Edinburgh hoping for a sprinkling of snow this festive season, but aren’t actually ready for extreme weather
· Almost one third of people don’t check that their central heating is working ahead of the winter months
· Almost three-quarters don’t insulate their pipes and one in 10 don’t know how to bleed a radiator
With the clocks going back and the countdown to winter weather under way, new research has revealed that more than 50 per cent of people in Edinburgh are pinning their hopes on a white Christmas this year – but many are not really prepared for a cold snap.
The survey found one third of people don’t check their central heating is working before it’s time to turn it on, and almost half fail to get their boiler serviced ahead of winter, leaving them open to a potential Christmas disaster.
According to the research by Scottish Gas, 25 per cent of people in Scotland have had to endure a cold shower in the past five years and more than half have gone without heating for more than a day* because of a breakdown at home.
Scottish Gas engineers in Edinburgh are urging people to check their homes before the cold really sets in and get themselves snow-ready as temperatures are set to dip below four degrees.
Martin O’Neill, Customer Service Director at Scottish Gas, said: “Our top priority is to keep our customers’ homes and businesses warm, safe and working during the winter months. As the UK prepares for a cold snap, our engineers are on standby to help if anything goes wrong.”
Danny Stuart, a Scottish Gas engineer in Edinburgh, said: “Our top priority is to help keep our customers’ homes and businesses warm, safe and working during the winter months, and as the UK prepares for a cold snap, our engineers are already on standby if anything goes wrong.
“Simple things, like blocking draughts to stop heat escaping, or bleeding your radiators, can help keep your home warm, yet our research shows that very few people actually do them to prepare for the winter months. It’s things like this that can really make the difference in getting your home snow-ready, so everyone can focus on enjoying that white Christmas they’ve been hoping for!
“To avoid even bigger problems, getting your boiler serviced annually can help detect issues, so is really worth looking into now, before the winter weather takes hold.”
Last winter, Scottish Gas completed nearly 200,000 plumbing jobs, and with meteorologists predicting a cold snap this November, its engineers are expecting to visit more than 70,000 homes in the next week.
Getting snow-ready
Scottish Gas engineers have some smart, simple advice on how to prepare homes and businesses for colder snaps and help protect against potential costly damage as a result of burst pipes, damaged water tanks or overflowing gutters.
Sean Batty launches Ready for Winter campaign
Two-thirds of Scottish residents admit they could be more prepared for winter weather – and many of them are not prepared at all.
With last week seeing the first amber warning of this winter with storm Abigail and yellow warnings across Scotland for snow today and Saturday, Scottish households are being urged to make sure they are prepared for severe weather as new research reveals two thirds (66 per cent) have admitted they could do more to be ready or are not at all prepared.
The research was revealed as the Scottish Government’s Ready for Winter campaign launched last week, which encourages people and communities to take simple steps in readiness for tough weather conditions. For individuals this means staying informed on imminent weather conditions, knowing what to do to get ready, such as having a working torch or knowing how to turn off your utilities, and watching out for those who are more vulnerable to severe weather.
Despite more than a third of people (33 per cent) saying they had been hit financially through disrupted travel, time off work or home repairs – many don’t have the essential supplies to help them in an emergency and 46 per cent of respondents said they were not worried about the prospect of severe weather this winter.
Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, said: “With the mild winters we’ve experienced in recent years, it does appear that some people are becoming increasingly relaxed about being prepared for severe weather.
“However, we all know that Scottish winters can quickly bring cold snaps, storms, flooding and high winds all of which can affect people’s homes, those who are travelling, and those who are vulnerable, so there’s no room for complacency.
“Being prepared for winter can make all the difference when severe weather strikes and this can be as simple as having a shovel and grit ready to keep any paths clear and keeping a scraper and de-icer in your car. It is important to remind people of the actions we can all take to get ready in the home, before a journey, at our place of work and in our communities.”
Today STV weather forecaster Sean Batty backed the drive in a bid to warn that weather conditions in Scotland can be volatile and encourage more people to prepare.
Sean said: “If there is one thing I’ve learned from delivering daily weather reports is the speed in which weather can change in Scotland.
“Our weather is very volatile, going from extremely mild and stormy to extremely cold and icy. The outlook for the next three months indicates that the risk of spells of windy or even stormy weather is expected to be greater than usual for the time of year but we could still see periods of ice and snow.
“It’s important to take time to prepare for every weather eventuality so we’re ready and able to cope with whatever winter brings.”
Top 5 tips for preparing for winter are:
For more information on how to prepare for winter visit www.readyscotland.org
The Scottish SPCA is urging people to help animals stay safe this winter
Scotland’s animal welfare charity has issued advice to pet owners, farmers and wildlife enthusiasts as the temperature falls.
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Freezing weather can be very dangerous for domestic pets, equines, farm animals and wildlife.
“Dog owners should keep their pets on the lead near frozen waterways and people must never go after their dog if it walks out onto the ice. Each year we hear of incidents where people have tried to rescue their pet from a frozen river or lake, often with tragic consequences, and we want both animals and their owners stay safe.
“We would always recommend owners wash their dogs’ feet after they have been walking on gritted roads as salt can be an irritant to the paws and can upset the digestive system if ingested.
“Those with cats should make adequate provisions for them by ensuring they have access to somewhere warm when the temperature drops and all pets kept outdoors will need extra food, bedding and access to unfrozen drinking water. In the worst winter weather, owners of rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals kept in outdoor hutches should move them inside where possible.
“Antifreeze is one of the most common causes of cat poisoning, particularly in the winter months, and can result in a horrific death. We would urge anyone servicing their car to take extra care and ensure any spillages are cleaned up and disposed of properly as it could save an animal’s life.
“Treacherous conditions makes it hard for farmers to monitor their livestock but, again, it is vital they have access to unfrozen drinking water and food.”
Anyone who finds an animal in distress over the winter period is being encouraged to contact the charity for help and advice.
Chief Supt Flynn added, “Last year we dealt with a large number of wildlife casualties such as underweight hedgehogs found struggling to survive and orphaned or injured seal pups.
“Wildlife lovers can feed birds to help them through the winter as their natural food sources will be scarce at this time of year.
“Anyone who spots a distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Well, winter’s here and the city council is offering advice on how to stay safe as the bad weather bites …
The Council’s website has information on what to do when gales and storms are forecast, such as parking vehicles in garages or away from buildings and trees etc or securing loose objects that could be blown away.
As temperatures look set to plummet once again towards the end of the week with snow in the forecast as well, residents can also log on to see an interactive map of salt bins across the city and find out the priority streets and pavements for gritting patrols. You can now use online forms to report problems with salt bins or to request a new one for your area.
Preparing for wintry conditions is strongly recommended and the Ready for Winter web page includes tips such as investing in a good, strong snow shovel and arranging a winter health check for your car.
During severe weather, remember to check on your neighbours, particularly if they are older or live alone. Keep up to date with roads, schools and travel information on the website, via Twitter and local radio.
Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Winter is definitely here now and the Council has been hard at work for many weeks getting the Capital as prepared as possible for whatever the weather has in store for us.
“We’ve got 16,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled – more than three times the amount we used in the whole of winter 2013/14 – and gritting teams have been patrolling and on standby since late October, responding to the detailed and regular forecasts we receive from the Met Office.
“As always, we’d remind residents to do whatever they need to do to get themselves ‘winter ready’ and would urge everyone to look out for those in their community who might be less able to look after themselves.”
Did you see some snow on Sunday? Preparations are well under way as Scotland gets braced for winter’s icy blast …
With the cold temperatures experienced at the weekend expected to continue into this week, Transport Minister Derek Mackay visited a salt depot near Glasgow to see the preparations that are being made for the wintry weather.
Gritters have already been out on trunk roads across the country in recent days in response to the winter conditions and Mr Mackay saw salt being loaded onto some of the state of the art spreaders used by the Scotland Transerv team at Polmadie.
He also took part in discussions with the Met Office, Police Scotland, Traffic Scotland and the Trunk Road Operating Companies, to ensure that the response to the current yellow weather warning for snow is as co-ordinated and effective as possible.
On a wider basis, agencies and organisations are working together to put their response plans into gear to keep any disruption as a result of difficult conditions to a minimum.
The Scottish Government’s Ready for Winter campaign draws all of these efforts together to offer information and advice on the simple steps that people, businesses and communities can take to prepare for and reduce the risks of winter weather.
Transport Minister, Derek Mackay said: “While this weather is not unusual in Scotland at this time of year, some areas are seeing their first snowfall of the season.
“A wide range of agencies and organisations are working together to implement their response plans with the aim of keeping disruption in difficult conditions to a minimum.
“The efforts being made by the team here at Scotland Transerv are being replicated by the Trunk Road Operating Companies across the country and the focused response to weather events will continue throughout the winter.
“We have more salt in stock today than we used across the whole of last year and our winter control rooms are monitoring conditions 24/7 ensure the winter fleet are treating and patrolling where and when they are needed.
“Motorists can see details of where and when the gritters will be in operation through the interactive winter treatments map on the Traffic Scotland website and the latest live information on conditions is available on the Traffic Scotland Twitter feed, smartphone App, internet radio and website.
“The Scottish Government’s annual preparedness campaign, Ready for Winter, is a good reminder of the simple actions we can all take to be prepared. It urges motorists to check conditions before they travel, leave some extra time for their journeys and make sure their vehicle is well maintained with an emergency kit.
“So far this year, the campaign has visited 31 communities across the country, giving advice to 36,000 members of the public. Its posts on Twitter have reached 360,000 people and the Readyscotland app has been downloaded more than 2,000 times. Lots of useful information on how we can all take an hour to prepare for winter is available at Readyscotland.org.” (see below)
Severe weather can strike at any time so taking action now will serve you well in winter, and all year round.
In the last few years, we’ve seen it all – snow, floods and strong winds. And it doesn’t take much for it to impact on our daily lives. Like getting stuck indoors for a few days, or losing your phone communication, power or water supply.
Severe weather can cause a range of problems – but you can be ready for them. By doing a few small things now, you can save yourself a lot of trouble later on.
You can also do your bit to help out in your community.
In this section, you will find information and useful tips on how to prepare:
For more information on the opinion of the Scottish general public on preparing for emergencies, please refer to the latest edition of the Emergency Preparedness Survey.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the Scottish Government is set to invest millions in a new national fuel poverty scheme. She made the announcement as she launched a campaign aimed at helping people reduce their winter fuel bills.
The Government will shortly be inviting bids for a contract, worth up to £224 million over seven years, to deliver a new national fuel poverty scheme from 2015.
The new scheme will deliver energy efficiency measures such as better insulation and heating systems, helping to create warmer and greener homes for thousands of Scots.
The announcement comes as a campaign is launched encouraging Scots to take advantage of free help which is available now to reduce their winter fuel bills.
The Home Energy Scotland campaign seeks to provide householders with free and impartial advice on support to help cut energy bills, whatever their circumstances.
Launching the campaign, the Deputy First Minister said: “It takes just one phone call to the Home Energy Scotland hotline to see if you can save money on winter fuel bills, and I would encourage people to call the hotline on 0808 808 2282, or visit the HES website.
“Anyone can get energy efficiency advice and find out what’s available to them, and many others can also qualify for energy saving improvements such as insulation, boilers or central heating for free.
“Rising energy bills remain a huge concern for the Scottish Government and fuel poverty is still a major issue in Scotland, with over 27 per cent of households affected.
“It is a scandal that there should be any fuel poverty in an energy-rich country like Scotland, and that is why I am delighted to announce a contract worth up to £224 million over seven years for the delivery of a new national fuel poverty scheme from 2015.
“This will build on the success of the Energy Assistance Scheme, which has provided over 46,000 vulnerable households with heating and/or insulation measures over the past five years.
“This long term contract will help thousands more households over the next few years, and is testament to our commitment to helping Scots escape fuel poverty.”
visit www.homeenergyscotland.org.uk
or call 0808 808 2282 for more information
The Scottish SPCA is urging owners to keep animals safe this winter. Scotland’s animal welfare charity has issued advice to pet owners, farmers and wildlife enthusiasts as the first winter weather arrives.
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Freezing temperatures and deep snow can be very dangerous for domestic pets, equines, farm animals and wildlife.
“We always urge dog owners to keep their pets on the lead near frozen waterways and people must never go after their dog if it walks out onto the ice. Each year we hear of incidents where people have tried to rescue their pet from a frozen river or lake, often with tragic consequences, and we’re keen to make sure both animals and owners stay safe this winter.
“Cat owners should also make adequate provisions for their pets by ensuring they have access to somewhere warm when the temperature drops. All animals kept outdoors should have shelter, extra food, plenty of bedding and must have access to unfrozen drinking water.
“In the worst winter weather, owners of rabbits and other pets kept in outdoor hutches should move them inside where possible. The level of snowfall and treacherous conditions can make it hard for farmers to monitor their animals but, again, it is vital that they have access to unfrozen drinking water and food.
It is also kind to feed wild birds at this time of year as their natural food sources will be scarce.”
Anyone who finds an animal in distress over the winter period is encouraged to contact the Scottish SPCA for help and advice.
Chief Supt Flynn added, “Last year we dealt with a large number of wildlife casualties such as underweight hedgehogs found struggling to survive and orphaned or injured seal pups. Anyone who spots a sick, injured or distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”
A NATIONAL health campaign highlighting the importance for people in Edinburgh and the Lothians being prepared for winter was launched today. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Alex Neil was joined by a group of schoolchildren and NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director Dr Laura Ryan at Edinburgh’s Christmas to launch the Be Ready for Winter campaign.
The NHS Scotland campaign advises people that by re-stocking their medicine cabinet, checking their repeat prescriptions and knowing when their GP surgery is open, they can ensure they are well prepared for the winter.
Health Minister Alex Neil said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas venue here today is a reminder of some of the fun-filled activities we can take part in at this time of year. It is a busy time of year, especially for families with young children, and it is easy for your health to take a backseat.
“That is why it is important for people in Scotland, especially parents and older people, to take a few simple steps to help make sure they stay healthy. By finding out what services are open and stocking up on winter remedies, we can prevent winter illnesses from spoiling the holiday period. It will also ensure that emergency lifesaving services are kept free for those who really need them.
“Last winter saw increased pressures including an early start to the norovirus season, an increase in respiratory illnesses, and increased pressure on A&E departments, and it is really important that you know who to turn to when you are ill. For some illnesses, your local pharmacist, GP, NHS 24 or minor injuries unit may be a more suitable place to go to rather than A&E.”
This year, GP surgeries will be closed for two days at Christmas (Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December) and again for two days at New Year (Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 January).
NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director Laura Ryan said it is important to prepare ahead for this time: “I would urge people to take the time now to re-stock their medicine cabinet with items such as paracetamol, cough mixture, throat lozenges and cold and flu treatments, to deal with any winter ailments that may inevitably strike. Your local pharmacist is a good source of information and advice on re-stocking your medicine cabinet. If you need to visit your GP, try to schedule an appointment before the festive period and submit your repeat prescription request in plenty of time. Remember you can also access urgent out of hours GP services through NHS 24.”
The four key steps that Be Ready for Winter is recommending everyone take in preparation for their health this winter are:
Restock your winter medicine cabinet
Many children and adults pick up common winter ailments such as a cold or flu-like illness. These can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine. Parents are reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with remedies suitable for children.
Use your local pharmacy
Your local pharmacy is an accessible resource for you and your family. Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you have run out of any prescribed medication. You can also collect medicine for minor ailments or illnesses.
Make sure you have repeat prescriptions.
If you, or someone you care for, require medicines regularly, check that you have enough and if you need more remember to order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last over the Christmas holiday period. Only order what you need.
Know when your GP surgery will be open
Your local doctor’s surgery will be open on Tuesday December 24 and will then reopen on Friday 27 December. This means there are two days when it is closed – Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Doctors Surgeries will follow normal opening hours on Tuesday 31 December and will then reopen on Friday 3 January.
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk/winter or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.
A major public awareness campaign is being launched today encouraging everyone across the country to think ahead and get ready for all forms of severe weather that we can face in Scotland.
While around 40 per-cent of people in Scotland say they feel prepared for severe weather according to new research published today, people are being asked to look at all aspects of their preparedness through this year’s ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign.
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 the 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 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.”
David Miller, Red Cross operations director for East Scotland, added: “Severe weather can take many forms – not just snow and ice – and it is important that we are all prepared for it at home, on the road and in the community.
“Last winter was the mildest in years, yet many people in Scotland still suffered hardship and inconvenience due to high winds and flooding which resulted in temporary loss of utilities and caused great damage. We cannot legislate for the weather but we can make life easier for ourselves if we take a few simple steps to prepare for it.
“The Red Cross is delighted to be working in partnership with the Scottish Government once again to deliver this very important message. Our ‘Ready For Winter?’ campaign was very successful last year and this time we are urging the people of Scotland to be ready for all types of severe weather, which can strike at any time of the year – not just during winter.”
COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Well-being, Cllr Peter Johnston said: “COSLA are delighted to once again be working in partnership with the Scottish Government and British Red Cross to launch the ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign. COSLA would urge people to be aware of the simple measures to reduce the risk of being underprepared should severe weather affect Scotland.
“We have seen the consequences of unpredictable weather in Scotland in the past few years and whilst we might not experience sustained winter conditions of snow, we could get high winds, flooding or snow over a short period of time which could have an equally severe impact.
“COSLA support the message of the campaign for people to be generally prepared for all types of severe weather. I am aware councils have appropriate contingency plans in place to minimise the impact on public services should Scotland experience any form of severe weather this winter. We endeavour to deliver as many services as possible during periods of severe weather with limited disruption but we ask people to recognise that in some circumstances we might need to prioritise the vulnerable.”
The Scottish Government’s ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign, its second in partnership with the British Red Cross, provides information and advice on how to prepare and cope with severe weather including snow, ice, flooding and high-winds. It seeks to:
The campaign includes a range of online resources and will feature integrated marketing activity across TV, local press, radio, news websites and social media, and is due to run until mid-November. 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.
A variety of organisations is supporting the campaign this year including: COSLA, Scottish Water, ACPOS, The Energy Saving Trust, Met Office, The Salvation Army, Coke, Hilton, Standard Life, Baxter’s Food Group and Kwik-fit. Arnold Clark, Scotrail, the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, the British Federation of Small Businesses, main airports across Scotland and 545 libraries are also partnering with the campaign, along with many of Scotland’s largest employers.
