Scots encouraged to prepare for severe winter weather

Preparing a household ‘emergency kit’, keeping an eye out for your neighbours, and ensuring you have the appropriate insurance are just some of the practical measures being encouraged to prepare for the effects of severe weather this winter.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham was on a visit to Scottish Water’s sewer upgrade project on Edinburgh’s Haymarket Terrace to see how it is progressing.

She said: “Severe weather increases the risk of flooding. In Scotland over 78,000 residential properties are at risk, sometimes leading to the isolation of vulnerable individuals or communities, loss of power, and the damage to road and rail infrastructure – sometimes with little or no notice.

“And the low temperatures, snow, storms and gales which winter can often bring to these shores can be equally disruptive and dangerous – particularly affecting the elderly and vulnerable.

“So this winter the Scottish Government is encouraging people to be informed, be ready, and think of others. There are plenty of practical measures that people can take to do so, like preparing an ‘emergency kit’ for their home, which includes essential items for use during a flood or power cut.

“Severe weather can’t be prevented, but simple things like signing up to weather warnings, or ensuring you have the appropriate house insurance can mitigate against the worst effects of it, and ensure a better winter for everyone.”  

The Cabinet Secretary was visiting Scottish Water’s £2.5 million project to increase the capacity of the sewers in Edinburgh’s densely populated Haymarket area, and reduce the risk of sewer flooding.

The risk of flooding from sewers increases after storm events when sewage can escape from the sewerage network either by coming back out plumbing fixtures and fittings within a property or up through manholes and flowing overland into properties and streets.

Background

• Get your home ready for winter – check out our guidance and checklists at http://tinyurl.com/readyscotlandathome
• Sign up to @ScottishEPA's free Floodline system to receive flood alerts direct to your phone http://goo.gl/uxL2rF #readyscotland
• If you have been affected by flooding or you are at risk of flooding, help and support is available at: http://www.scottishfloodforum.org/