Lynda Nicholson from Scottish Government talks about the launch of this years Ready for winter? Campaign.

Today the Scottish Government launched its new Ready for Winter? campaign designed to get Scotland more prepared for severe weather of all types. Following the cold winters in 2009 and 2010, and a wet summer this year, it’s becoming more apparent that severe weather can strike at any time and not all of us are prepared. 

In fact, new research from the British Red Cross and the Scottish Government showed that only 39% per cent of people said that they were prepared for periods of severe weather, and 76% think they are doing enough to prepare for poor driving conditions with just an ice-scraper and de-icer.

The Ready for Winter? campaign sets out what you really need to do and focuses on how we can get ready at home, at work, in the community and when we’re on the move. It’s not difficult or expensive to get ready, just a few small steps now can save a lot of trouble later. By thinking ahead, acting now and considering the likely consequences for your family, business or neighbourhood, we can make sure fewer people get caught out should severe weather hit.

You can get the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the Met Office so you know when severe weather is expected, taking small steps now means you will be ready when cold weather arrives.

If you want to know more about what you should do, visit Ready Scotland for information and advice.