Penny Short has collated some useful information regarding coping with severe weather, from various resources including Scottish Power and East Lothian Council’s Emergency Planning and Risk Manager:
Power Cuts
Scottish Power advises that vulnerable members of our Community are encouraged to register on the Scottish Power priority service register. Their SP Energy Networks leaflet states:
‘If electricity is crucial to your health ask to be included on our priority service register. You can do this via our website www.spenergynetworks.co.uk or by calling 0845 273 4444.’
Further information can be gained from Scottish Power about emergency action plans via: https://www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/emergency-information/
Telephones
If the phone in your home needs to be plugged in to an electrical socket to work, it may be worth considering purchasing an old-fashioned “corded” analogue telephone, which would work even if there was an electricity power cut. They can be bought for around £5.00 from various outlets such as Amazon, Argos etc.
Severe Weather
The following Ready Scotland link contains a huge amount of information for dealing with severe weather including what should be in Emergency Kits: http://www.readyscotland.org/
Packing a small emergency kit and keeping it in a safe place at home would be handy in a wide range of emergency situations. Your kit should be kept in a waterproof bag and could include:
- A household emergency 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)
- Essential medication, some toiletries and a first aid kit
- 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, in case you need to locate these quickly or prove your identity
- Pencil, paper, a penknife and a whistle
- Spare keys to your home and car
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
- Blankets and warm clothing
Other items which may be important for you and your family to cope during an emergency could include pet supplies, food supplies, formula milk/baby food, a mobile phone and in-car charger.
Met Office Weather Warnings
Information on weather warnings from the Met Office can be found on: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=map
Road Clearing
The “gritting” lorries will be out in force to keep roads clear and will do their best to keep grit bins filled but resources may be stretched. Rock salt can be bought if needed from DIY stores and prices start from £2.99 per 25kg bag. The lorries who spread the grit and clear snow away need to work on fairly clear roads to be effective, so sensible parking to allow access is always appreciated.
