With another winter fast approaching, people across the country are being encouraged to get ready now.
Last year's prolonged winter weather affected much of Scotland, catching many people out. But, by thinking about how our families, businesses and communities could be affected, we can all be better prepared this year.
So, how prepared are you? Have you started making a household plan or packing a few essential items in your car?
Even an average winter is likely to include cold snaps, snowfalls, ice, storms, high winds, heavy rain and fog.
Taking action now will help make Scotland better prepared.
A new campaign from the Scottish Government with the Red Cross illustrates that it takes only a few simple steps to be ready for winter at home, on the road and in our communities if severe weather strikes.
Offering practical advice, it shows the simple steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, your community and your organisation from the worst effects of all kinds of weather.
At home
Getting ready for winter at home is easy. Just make a household plan and collect together items that will be essential to you and your family in an emergency
Make your home more energy efficient, keep dry by protecting pipes and knowing how to turn off the water supply if you need to, and make sure you stay connected by keeping a battery operated radio and a list of emergency contact numbers to hand
Prepare an emergency kit that contains what you need. Here are some things to include:
Your household plan, including emergency contact numbers
A battery operated torch and spare batteries (or a wind up torch)
A battery operated radio and spare batteries (or a wind up radio)
A first aid kit, some toiletries and any essential medicines
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
Pencil, paper, a penknife and a whistle
Pet supplies
Spare keys to your home and car
Spare glasses or contact lenses
In the car
Get ready for winter on the road by packing a few essential items in your car. Your winter emergency kit should include...
An ice scraper and de-icer
A torch and spare batteries
A shovel for snow
Warm clothes, boots and a blanket
Food and a drink in a flask
A first aid kit
Battery jump leads
A map for any diversions
Before travelling in bad weather, you should...
Check the weather forecast and road conditions
Consider whether you need to travel or if it can wait until the weather improves?
Consider alternative routes
FConsider alternative modes of transport
Allow extra time for your journey
Make sure your car is ready for a journey in poor weather
Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged
Tell someone your destination and when you expect to arrive
Consider fitting winter tyres to your vehicle
In your community
Last year's severe winter weather struck quickly leaving some people vulnerable. Planning now can help keep people safe this winter...
Identify family or neighbours who may need an extra helping hand in severe weather. Have their phone numbers to hand
Offer to help with shopping or other essential tasks
Clear ice or snow from your pathway
Remember, bad ice can make things just as difficult as deep snow for some people
Your community can get ready for winter by agreeing what you, your neighbours and your colleagues can do on your own and collectively 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
For more helpful tips and information on getting ready for winter, visit www.readyscotland.org
