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Stock up on winter supplies

As the nights draw in and winter looms ever closer, Aberdeen City Council is reminding city residents about the need to stock up on essential supplies.

Salt, snow shovels, torches, a first aid kit and a stock of essential medicines are all high on the list of things every household should have before the winter hits.

Motorists should also ensure that their vehicles are in good condition, fitted with appropriate tyres, and that they have plenty anti-freeze and de-icer in the vehicle. When travelling in poor weather conditions drivers should take a shovel, blankets, warm clothing and a flask with a hot drink in case they get stuck on the roads.

Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure director Gordon McIntosh said: “Being properly prepared for bad weather will ensure that you don’t get caught out if we experience another harsh winter.

“I would encourage members of the public to start stocking up now to make sure they have enough salt or grit and other essential supplies to avoid getting caught up in a last minute rush and risk not being able to get what they need.

“Most supermarkets, petrol stations and DIY stores are already selling many of the basic supplies you will need, so get what you need now and don’t get caught out.”

The council is starting the winter with over 16,000 tonnes of salt with a further 6,000 tonnes due for delivery in November. This is the largest stockpile of salt the council has ever had for winter operations.

Mr McIntosh also encouraged residents to keep an eye on the weather and snow clearing and salting work carried out by the council by logging on to the daily monitoring pages on the Aberdeen City Council website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/gritting

He added: “It is also important to monitor the news to find out what’s happening weather-wise. Local and national TV and radio stations and text services provide a useful source of information for motorists and travellers during inclement weather conditions.”

Grit bins are provided for the public as well as for council staff to use to treat the streets. If a grit box needs to be refilled, please call 08456 080919 or call 01224 241511 and leave a message, stating the location of the box, or use the Report It link on the city council website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

If there is a particular problem on a road, please call the Aberdeen City Council contact centre on 08456 080919. Problems can also be reported using the Report It link on the city council website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

For general information on main and trunk roads visit the Traffic Scotland website at www.trafficscotland.org

The Scottish Government has created a website to help people prepare for the winter weather. Ready Scotland (www.ReadyScotland.org) contains practical advice and the simple steps people can take to protect themselves, their families, their communities and their businesses from the worst effects of all kinds of bad weather.

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