Cold, snow and ice

Snow and ice can disrupt our lives in lots of different ways.

It can cause frozen or burst pipes, transport disruption, and can increase the risk of hypothermia and falls. Then when the snow thaws, a risk of flooding can follow. Because winter can be a particularly difficult time for elderly people or those who might need additional support, at Ready Scotland we’ve prepared the following advice to make sure you, and those around you, have the information you need to stay safe this winter.

In Advance

• Make sure you’ve signed up to the latest information for your area;
• Review your household emergency kit;
• Check in on older family members, friends and neighbours who may need extra support during cold weather. Make sure they’re aware of the support available to them;
• Keep up-to-date with the latest weather warnings, travel advice and road conditions;
• Follow Ready Scotland's advice on preparing for travel disruptions.

In Cold Weather

• If you lose power, call 105 – it’s free of charge and will put you through to your local network operator who can give you help and advice;
• Keep yourself warm. Try and heat your home to at least 18ºC and wear several layers of thin clothing instead of one thick layer. Find more information on how to stay safe and protect your health in cold weather from NHS Inform.
• If you’re out walking e.g. returning home from a night out, make sure someone knows your route and when you should be expected at your destination. This is especially important if you are walking home alone;
• If your pipes freeze or burst, follow our advice and watch Scottish Water's film.

After Snowfall/Ice

• Take extra care when cycling, walking or driving. Leave a safe distance when driving – your stopping distance is increased by 10x in snow and ice. The Met Office has advice on how to drive or cycle safety in cold weather.
• Check your vehicle before driving, especially lights and tyres. Traffic Scotland have further guidance on travelling during severe weather;
• Stay off frozen waterways. Make sure children are aware of the possible dangers, and keep pets off icy water too.
• Make sure that any older family members, friends and neighbours who may need extra support during cold weather  are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs;
• Before attempting to thaw out your pipes, check for leaking joints or bursts. If there are none, and if it’s safe to do so, gently warm any frozen sections with a heated cloth wrapped around the pipe. Never apply a direct flame or attempt to thaw pipes by switching on your immersion heater or boiler;
• If you’re fit, well and able; clear and grit paths and pavements (clearing fresh snow is easiest). Avoid using hot water, which could quickly turn to ice, and be careful not to cause obstructions or conceal a hazard with piled up snow. Make sure you wear suitable clothing, including warm waterproof clothing and shoes with good grip, while you’re doing this.

Find Out More

• Scottish Water has further winter advice on their website.
• If you’re concerned about flooding, you can follow SEPA's advice on preparing for and reacting to flooding and find information on how to protect your health when flooding occurs from NHS Inform;
• Find more advice on keeping yourself safe in cold weather on NHS Inform.