Please note the information given below and try to plan ahead for any possible severe weather conditions. Make sure you have enough food supplies in case the weather prevents you travelling for a few days. You should also make sure you have enough prescription medicine to see you through a period of bad weather. A very important point to note is that, if you are parked on the street, please ensure you leave plenty of space for gritters to pass through the village – and other vital vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines.
If you are vulnerable or have specific health needs, chronic illness, a requirement for carers or any electrical medical equipment it would be helpful if you could let the Community Emergency Team know so that, in the event of adverse weather or power cuts, extra help can be provided to you. Please contact us using the form provided below.
Packing a small emergency kit and keeping it in a safe place at home in a waterproof bag will help in a wide range of emergency situations. Your kit 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)
- Mobile phone charger
- Any 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
- Matches
Think about what else is important for you and your family to get by should an emergency occur over an extended period. For example, ensure you have enough:
- Food supplies
- Formula/baby food
- Pet supplies
Consider also purchasing alternative heating and cooking methods such as a camping stove and an analogue phone –digital phones will not work if there is no electricity.
In cold weather, make sure you keep as warm as possible, particularly wearing layers, and keeping at least one room in the house heated.
Please try your best to check on vulnerable neighbours and help them to prepare.
Before travelling in severe weather
- Consider whether you need to travel right now, or if you can wait until the weather improves
- Check the weather forecast, and keep up to date with the latest weather warnings and road conditions
- Make sure your car is ready for a journey in poor weather (such as checking tyre pressure and fuel levels)
- Tell someone your destination and when you expect to arrive
- Allow extra time for your journey
- Take a fully charged mobile and charger with you
- Pack an emergency kit in your car. The emergency kit could include:
Ø a first aid kit
Ø battery jump leads
Ø a torch and spare batteries
Ø a map for unplanned diversions
Ø a blanket
Ø a reflective warning sign.
Ø a shovel for snow
Ø warm clothes and boots
Ø some food, and a warm drink in a flask
You can find out what is happening by tuning in to local radio or, if you have access to the internet, check for current information on one of these websites:
- Police – www.scotland.police.uk or telephone 999
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – www.firescotland.gov.uk or telephone 999
- NHS Lothian – www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or telephone 111
- Scottish Power – www.spenergynetworks.co.uk or telephone 105 or 0800 0929290
- Scottish Water – www.scottishwater.co.uk or telephone 0845 6018855
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (flooding) – www.sepa.org.uk or telephone 08459 881188
- East Lothian Council – www.eastlothian.gov.uk or telephone 01620 827827 or out of hours 01875 612818
East Coast FM can be found on 107.6FM
Forth 1 can be found on 97.3FM
Radio Scotland can be found on 92-95FM or 810MW
I have prepared an Emergency Resilience Plan for Garvald. If you would like to view this plan please indicate on the form providing an email address for it to be sent to.
Penny Short
Community Emergency Team Co-Ordinator