Broadcast times
BBC Radio Highland
6.55 am - 7.00 am
7.50 pm - 8.00 pm
12.55 pm - 1.00 pm
4.55 pm - 5.00 pm
In extreme conditions Radio Highland will
interrupt Radio Scotland transmissions, usually on the hour, to carry
emergency bulletins. Nevis Radio will carry bulletins at roughly ten
minute intervals between 7.00 am and 8.00 am and Lochbroom FM at
quarter-hour intervals between 7.15 am and 8.45 am.
Moray Firth Radio
Normally hourly news bulletins and half-hourly
summaries will carry local information on weather, roads and conditions
affecting schools. In severe conditions normal programmes will be
interrupted more frequently to carry emergency bulletins.
SEPA flooding message
Many parts of the Highlands have
suffered the dramatic and traumatic consequences of flooding in recent
years. But the Floodline service from the Scottish Environment Protection
Agency can help you protect your home or business. Call Floodline on 0845
988 1188 or visit
http://www.sepa.org.uk/flooding
Floodline covers all of Scotland
and gives notice of possible flooding. The service also provides advice
about precautions to take. Floodline operates by giving an alert code
indicating that there is a flood risk in a particular area. This alert,
known as Flood Watch, will advise callers that they need to be aware,
especially if the property is prone to flooding.
'Flood Watch' means flooding is
possible, and the situation could worsen, so:
* watch water levels
and keep an eye on the weather
* stay tuned to local radio or TV
*
make sure you have what you need to put your flood plan into action
* reconsider travel plans
*
notify relevant departments/check resources
* farmers - check livestock
*
check the Floodline quick dial number for your area regularly
In some parts of the country,
where there is a history of serious flooding, there are local flood
warning schemes, operated by SEPA with local authorities and the police.
The following set of standard codes applies throughout the UK. Remember -
they apply only to existing flood warning scheme areas! (Call Floodline
with your postcode to find out if you live within one of these areas.)
'Flood Warning' means: flooding
of homes, businesses and main roads is expected. Act now!
'Severe Flood Warning' means:
serious flooding is expected. There is imminent danger to life and
property. Act now!
'All Clear' will be issued when
there are no longer Flood Watches or Flood Warnings in force. Flood water
levels receding. Check all is safe to return. Seek advice.
All flood warning alerts are
serious. Do take the appropriate steps as soon as you hear a warning.
Don't wait until the situation gets worse before you do anything. The
better prepared you are, the better you will cope with the effects of
flooding.
Highland Council will make filled
sandbags available on request from the public in areas liable to
flooding. Where the elderly and housebound are affected the sandbags will
be delivered.
The Highland Council has produced this leaflet to
offer advice on how to keep safe and well throughout the winter.
ADVICE TO MOTORISTS
Motorists are advised to listen to weather forecasts and check with the
Highland Road Hotline telephone numbers before setting off on a journey.
These Premium Rate numbers have been set up to relieve the police control
room of congestion at times of bad weather. They are 09003 401 363
(Highland roads and links to the south) and 09003 401 100 (all other areas
of Scotland).
LOOK OUT FOR ICE
Winter weather can be very variable and it is easy to be caught out by
sudden changes. Black ice can be a particular danger, it is not readily
visible and can persist or recur even after the road surface has been
treated with salt. Dawn frosts can also catch drivers unawares. At first
light a clear sky will allow heat to radiate quickly from the road surface
causing icy patches to form on wet or damp roads.
PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE
Before you travel make sure your vehicle is fit for the journey:
Check the anti-freeze level and strength in your radiator. Top up
the windscreen washer and add screen wash additive suitable for winter
conditions. Prepare for frost by keeping a de-icer spray and scraper
in the car and another set at home. Check that your tyres have
plenty of tread depth and are at the correct pressure. Check the fan
belt and battery are both in good order.
PREPARE YOURSELF
If you are going on a long journey, it is always a good idea to pack the
following:
A flask with a hot drink and some food. Extra warm clothing and/or
blankets. A torch, wellingtons and a shovel.
Snow Clearing & Gritting
LOCAL COUNCIL ROADS
From the beginning of October until the end of March The Council
monitors roads and weather conditions to provide a winter maintenance
service for the treatment of ice and snow conditions on local roads.
Personnel, gritting and snowploughing vehicles are deployed throughout the
council areas. Salt is held in strategically placed stores throughout the
Highlands.
Snowblowers are also strategically located to deal
with severe snow conditions when they arise. It is not possible to treat
every road at the same time, so priority routes have been established.
First Priority
is given to identified main routes and these will be covered from 6am -
9pm Monday - Saturday. Second Priority is given to other strategic
routes, including bus routes and the cover is 6am - 9pm Monday - Saturday.
Second Priority
is given to other strategic routes, including bus routes and the cover is
6am - 9pm Monday - Saturday.
Third Priority
applies to urban streets and school bus routes and the cover is between
6am - 6pm Monday - Saturday. Fourth Priority applies to the other
routes as resources allow. Difficult and steep routes being treated before
the rest. Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day cover will be
provided for First Priority routes only between 7am - 9pm.
Bus Routes
gritting will not necessarily be completed before buses start their
journey.
FOOTWAYS
Like roads, footways have been prioritized and will be covered Monday to
Saturday between 6am - 6pm.
On Sundays and Public Holidays, the cover will be between 7am - noon.
Priority One: Main urban shopping centres;
Priority Two: Main urban footways serving schools, hospitals and minor
shopping areas;
Priority Three: Other footways as resources permit.
There will be no footway treatment on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day
TRUNK ROADS
Transerv is responsible for Trunk roads
STREET LIGHTING
At this time of the year, there is an increased risk of accidents, theft
and burglary. It is therefore important to report street lighting faults
so they can be repaired as soon as possible. Please report faults to your
local contact point point during working hours or 0845 769 7284 out of
hours.
Flooding - You Can Prepare For It
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, do what you can now
to prepare for a flood. Don’t wait
until it happens, you may not have time.
Make sure you have adequate insurance.
Flood damage is included in most buildings
insurance policies but do check your home and contents are covered.
Make up a flood kit - including key personal
documents, torch, battery or wind-up radio, mobile phone, rubber gloves,
wellington boots, waterproof clothing, first aid kit and Keep details of
your insurance policy and the emergency contact number somewhere safe -
preferably as part of your flood kit.
Make a list of useful numbers you may need - local
Council Service Point, the emergency services and your SEPA Floodline
quick-dial code – obtained during your first call to Floodline.
Get into the habit of storing valuable or
sentimental items and important documents upstairs or in a high place.
Keep some sandbags or other purpose made flood protection products to
block doorways and airbricks - a list of manufacturers and suppliers is
available through Floodline.
Make sure you know where to turn off your gas,
electricity and water. If you’re not sure, ask the person who checks your
meter when they next visit. Mark the tap or switch with a sticker to help
you remember.
Floodline - 0845 988 1188 – a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year public
information service providing Scotland-wide flood alert information
through Flood Watch, more specific alerts for areas covered by Flood
Warning schemes, and general advice on how to prepare for and cope with
flooding.
Flooding can also be reported through Floodline.
The service is supported by live flood updates at
www.sepa.org.uk/flooding
SANDBAGS
Please note: The Highland Council will make filled sandbags available
on request from the public in areas liable to flooding. Where the
elderly and housebound are affected the sandbags will be delivered.
Sandbags can be collected from council depots as the need arises. In
times of severe weather it may be better to collect your won sand bags as
the services may have to many calls to be able to reach everyone in time.
For More Fire Safety Information Go To -
www.community-fire-safety.org.uk
Highland Roadline
Please use the Highland Roadline premium rate numbers below
rather than those of the police to establish road conditions:
09003 401 363 for Highland roads and links to the south
09003 401 100 for all other areas of Scotland
(Provided by Northern Constabulary and AA Road Watch)
Transerv deals with the Trunk Road network
The above is taken from the Highland
Council leaflet.