When Severe Weather Strikes Severe weather (e.g. heavy snow, blizzards, dense fog, gales, heat, flooding and widespread ice) can cause great disruption to daily routines. Although certain sections of the community are particularly vulnerable, including older people and those who are infirm or who have disabilities, severe weather does not discriminate.
West Dunbartonshire Council plans for severe weather conditions and, when these occur, co-ordinates the delivery of essential public services.
The local authority will make available their vehicles, buildings and other resources in order to respond to communities in need across West Dunbartonshire.
Together with the emergency services and other agencies, the Council will help to return the situation to normal as quickly as possible.
Everyone has a vital part to play during these difficult times. Being a good neighbour by being aware of those who may be particularly vulnerable is very important.
For Further Information on Severe Weather see the link below:
Metoffice
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Severe Weather Response Plan
Our Severe Weather Response Plan allows the Council to co-ordinate our response to severe weather, particularly with regard to issues such as roads and accessibility, school closures, and issues related to social services.
For more up-to-date information during severe weather, a severe weather leaflet which provides some useful contact numbers and radio stations has been produced to ensure that you are kept informed of any ongoing activities. There are also some handy hints and actions that can be taken during severe cold weather or a heatwave.
Flooding
Flooding can pose a serious hazard to lives and property. By taking simple precautions you can minimise the damage caused by flooding. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency 'Floodline' service offers flood warnings for Scotland. The Floodline service can be accessed day or night for real time flood warnings and advice on:
FLOODLINE 0845 988 1188
SEPA also offers practical advice for coping with floods, and minimising the damage that flood water can cause.
In addition to the measures below, a range of practical hints and tips relating to what to do before, during and after a flood are provided by SEPA. For more information call 'Floodline' or check their website .
Heatwave / Heat Exhaustion
The NHS has issued guidance on ways to look after yourself and others during hot weather.
NHS Heatwave Guide to Looking after Yourself and Others
1. NHS Heatwave Advice for Health and Social Care Professionals
2. Information for the public
Actions to Remember
Keep out of the heat
Keep cool, for example closing windows and curtains
Drink water or fruit juice.
LISTEN to your local weather forecast so you know if a heatwave is on the way.
PLAN AHEAD to reduce the risk of getting heat exhaustion or heatstroke
Seek medical advice is they get worse or don't go away.
Also that certain groups are particularly at risk during a heatwave. These include:
older people, especially those over 75 years old/or living on their own, or in a care home;
people suffering from mental ill health, those with dementia, and those who rely on help from other people to manage day-to-day activities
people who are bed-bound
people taking certain types of medication;
people suffering from chronic ill health;
babies and young children, especially under four years old;
Remember heatstroke can kill. It can develop very suddenly, and rapidly lead to unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately.
Drought
Droughts are natural events, caused by insufficient rainfall placing stress on water resources and the environment.
Some Tips to Help Save Water
In the Home:
Vegetables and fruit should be washed in a bowl rather than under a running tap and the leftover water can be used for watering house plants.
Try not to leave the tap running while you brush your teeth, shave or wash your hands, as this can waste up to 5 litres of water per minute.
Old toilet cisterns can use as much as 9 litres of clean water every flush. Reduce this by placing a 'save-a-flush' or 'hippo' in the cistern.
Dripping taps can waste up to 4 litres of water a day. Replace worn tap washers for a quick and cheap way of saving water.
In the Garden:
Collect rainwater in water-butts and use a watering can instead of a hose. If you prefer to use a hosepipe, fit a trigger nozzle to control the flow.
Regularly weed and hoe your garden, toensure that watering helps plants and not weeds.
Lawns can survive long periods of dry weather if the grass is not cut too short. Even if the grass turns brown, it will quickly recover after a few days of rain.
Garden sprinklers can use as much water in an hour as a family of four uses in a day. If you use a sprinkler, many water companies require you to have a water meter fitted.
