10 ways to weather the winter

PAVEMENTS covered in sheet ice, cars buried under snow drifts, supermarket shelves bare of basics, schools closed across the country and relentless, bitter cold. All were a reality of daily life in Scotland last December, as the country struggled with the most severe winter for a century.

In a bid to help people prepare for whatever the season throws up this year, the Scottish Government today launches a new campaign called Ready For Winter. It coincides with research carried out on more than 1,000 people in Scotland by the British Red Cross on the public’s attitude to emergencies. It showed that more people were concerned about the possible impact of severe weather (54 per cent) than health emergencies, such as pandemic flu (35 per cent), or terrorism (28 per cent).

Norman McKinley, director of the British Red Cross in Scotland, said: “Despite the severe weather of the past two years, this research shows just how unprepared many people in Scotland are for winter. We want to show how easy it is to make life more comfortable for ourselves and others by taking a few simple steps. If we act now, we can save ourselves a lot of sorrow later.”

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “Individuals and communities are stronger when they help themselves and help others. The campaign we will be launching with the British Red Cross, and other partners, will help address many of these concerns and will provide the sort of information and advice that many people have said they are looking for to make sure they can play their part in keeping safe and secure over the coming months.”

Age UK spokesman Lindsay Scott agreed it was important to be prepared, especially for older people. “Winter and the cold weather it brings are a regular source of worry to older people across Scotland, but there are a few simple things that can be done to stay healthy, safe and as comfortable as possible over this time of year,” he said.

To help readers brace themselves for the worst this winter, here The Scotsman has put together ten top tips. We hope they will get readers prepared, above and beyond just buying a snow shovel or stocking up on warm jumpers.

WINTERPROOF YOUR HOME

• THERE are things you can do to keep your home warm and running well without spending a fortune. One simple step is to cut out drafts through doors. Cover the keyhole with a purpose-made cover that drops a metal disc over the keyhole. Use a letterbox flap or brush. Use draft excluders for under doors. You can make one stuffed with used plastic bags or bits of spare material. Don’t forget the chimney. Why not buy a chimney balloon – an inflatable cushion that blocks the chimney. They cost about £20. Draft proofing windows is also relatively simple. See www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for more advice.

GET A GRIP ON YOUR FEET

• ICE grips worn over your regular shoes have become a must-have item for winter. Already outdoor shops have reported customers queuing up for the gadgets, which should draw an end to slipping and sliding on the ice. There are quite a few makes to choose from, including Yaktrax, Stabilicers, Icetrekkers and Anatoms. They cost about £15.

HELP YOUR CAR COPE

• THERE are lots of things your can do to get your car set for winter, including getting a winter check up at a local garage.

This should make sure your battery, windscreen wipers and tyres are all in good condition to cope.

One item that could make a difference to your safety on the road are snow socks for your tyres. You simply pull the sock over the wheel and tyre - it takes only about two minutes, and provides almost the same level of grip as a snow chain. They cost about £50 for a pair.

CLEAR YOUR PATCH OF PAVEMENT

• IF everybody cleared the snow and ice from the section of pavement outside their own home, conditions for pedestrians would quickly improve. As well as a snow shovel, a bag of rock salt to melt the ice and a sprinkling of sand to give grip, which are both available from DIY stores, will make the job easier.

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR YOUR HOME

• THIS should include: a battery operated torch and spare batteries (or a wind-up torch); a battery operated radio and spare batteries (or a wind-up radio), tuned to your local radio station; essential medication and a first-aid kit; three days’ supply of bottled water and ready-to-eat food (that won’t go off)

GET YOUR HANDS ON SOME EXTRA CASH

• UP to £5 billion of means-tested benefits for older people is unclaimed in the UK each year, equivalent to £13.9 million a day. The Winter Fuel Payment is targeted at people aged 60 or over. Payments vary between £100 and £300 depending on individual circumstances. For help with claims call the Winter Fuel Payments helpline on 0845 915 1515.

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Energy Saving Scotland advice centre can also check your eligibility for Cold Weather Payments, which are issued when your area’s average temperature is 0C or below over seven consecutive days. This can help people in receipt of certain benefits meet their additional heating costs during winter. Shop around for the best tariff for your energy bills. The easiest way to compare prices is to use an accredited comparison service, by phone or online, such as one listed on the Consumer Focus Scotland website. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for contact numbers for the price comparison services and give further help and advice. It can also post copies of its price comparison fact sheets.

HAVE AN EMERGENCY KIT IN YOUR VEHICLE

• We hope it will never happen to us, but just in case you end up spending several hours in your car, or even overnight, it is worth being prepared. Items to include: ice scraper and de-icer; a torch and spare batteries; a shovel; warm clothes, boots and blankets; some food and a warm drink in a flask; a first-aid kit; battery jump leads; a map for any unplanned diversions; a battery powered radio; extra batteries; water; medications; road salt; emergency flares.

THINK ABOUT YOUR ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS

• ELDERLY people suffer more than most when freezing conditions strike. Some people will choose to stay at home without food instead of venturing out when it is difficult to walk. Offer to help by adding some items for them to your weekly shop and check they are coping if conditions get really tough.

WORK FROM HOME IF YOUR LINE OF WORK ALLOWS IT

• Set up access to your office computer system if possible, so, if severe weather hits, you can still respond to urgent e-mails and keep on top of things without risking driving to work. As an employer, what can you do to prepare your staff? Put policies and plans in place now to avoid confusion later.

KEEPING IN CONTACT

• Have a list of emergency numbers pinned to the fridge. These should include: electricity and gas suppliers; Scottish Water: 0845 601 8855; Scottish Environment Protection Agency Floodline: 0845 988 1188; NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24; Insurance company; GP; emergency plumber; school; employer; neighbours.