If you're in an emergency, always call 999 and follow the instructions given. It's important to teach children how and when to call 999 too.
In some emergencies, you might be told to "Go in, Stay in, and Tune in." This means go indoors, stay there, and listen to local or national radio, or check official websites for information. Going inside is usually the safest option unless your building is clearly unsafe.
Sometimes, you may need to leave your home or area for safety. If you're told to evacuate by the authorities, don't delay. Staying behind could put your life and others at risk. If it’s safe, check on your neighbours or people who might need extra help.
If you're at the scene of an emergency and it’s safe, you can help by giving first aid, comfort, and support until the emergency services arrive.
In an emergency, check trusted sources like local council websites, government agencies, or emergency services. You can also listen to local radio or watch TV news for specific advice on what to do.
Winter can be a fun time, but cold weather can make some people ill or cause accidents, like slipping on ice. Cold weather can also affect roads and trains, and icy roads can lead to more car accidents.
For advice on staying safe during different types of weather, visit Ready Scotland.
Severe weather and other emergencies can delay travel or leave you stranded. Follow Ready Scotland’s advice to prepare for travel problems and keep yourself safe.
Power cuts can happen for many reasons, like bad weather or problems with equipment. Most power cuts don’t last long, but sometimes they can go on for several days and affect large areas.
Without power, things like gas boilers, ovens, heat pumps, and even your internet won’t work. If the phone masts go down, your mobile might stop working too. Water supplies could also be disrupted.
Water outages can happen due to maintenance or burst pipes. These are usually fixed quickly, but longer outages can be more disruptive.