Get ready for winter
Published 29 Oct 2012 09:00
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FIFERS are being urged to get ready for winter as a national campaign is launched to ensure Scotland is better prepared this year.
Fife Council are backing the campaign and insist there are lots of ways to stay informed this winter.
"There is no need for people to feel isolated when severe weather hits. There are plenty of options available for Fife's residents to find out information.
"The telephone is not the only way to stay in touch. The council needs to make sure it can reach those who need it the most and to keep phone lines clear for emergencies, if possible.
"By checking out www.fifedirect.org.uk/winter, people can sign up for personal emails or text alerts to find out about school or facility closures.
"This means you find out information that you need at the earliest opportunity so you can plan ahead.
"There's plenty of advice on how to prepare whether at home, in the car and in your community.
"If the weather turns severe, the home page of Fife Direct will be dedicated to winter information and advice.
"Follow Fife Council on Facebook and Twitter. Thousands have joined Fife Council on Facebook and follow the feeds on Twitter.
"All winter updates will appear as they happen direct to your mobile phone or computer.
"Tune in to your local radio stations Kingdom FM, Radio Forth and Tay FM for the latest updates.
"Individual school closures are broadcast as and when the decision is made not to open an individual school.
"The headteacher will make the final decision whether a school should be open or closed during severe weather and this will be made on the day by 7am.
"Again, signing up for alerts or an email will ensure that parents and carers can make alternative arrangements, if necessary.
"Search for m.fifedirect.org.uk on the browser of your mobile phone to access the Fife Direct website and get the latest updates on closures, disruptions and advice during severe weather.
"You can keep up to date on what's happening on tv by going to channel 539 and then pressing the red button for Sky and Virgin media users should press home, select interactive.
"Check out 08451 55 11 99 for information on updates. Otherwise, if you need emergency help, speak to an advisor on 08451 55 00 99. For all information on Winter in Fife go to www.fifedirect.org.uk/winter"
Dr Bob McLellan, head of transportation and environmental services, said, "Fife Council is committed to keeping Fife moving whatever the weather and staff will be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week dedicated to this task.
"We have 55 gritters of various shapes and sizes on standby to treat Fife's roads as well as 42 mini-tractors to clear and grit footpaths.
"In the most severe weather, we will have access to up to thousand personnel and in addition we have arrangements for external resources, plant and equipment.
"We also have 40,000 tonnes of salt in stock, enough to keep Fife moving through even the harshest winter."
He added, "Seven new pedestrian sweepers have also been added to the Environmental Services' fleet to help keep residential footpaths clear this winter.
"Not only can they be used in summer to clean the streets, they have an added feature that they can brush away snow and slush making the roads safer for pedestrians.
"We hope that Fife's residents can be assured that we will be working flat out to keep Fife on the move this winter."
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