Council helps residents prepare for winter

16 November 2016

Residents of Aberdeen will be able to get up close with gritters, receive home and travel safety advice and discuss partying safe at Aberdeen City Council’s annual Let’s Get Ready for Winter public safety event on Saturday 26 November.

The third annual winter safety event takes place on the pedestrian area on Union Street outside Marks and Spencer from 9.30am to 3pm.

Aberdeen City Council will join forces with Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Red Cross, and SCARF Heating and Energy to help residents stay safe this winter.

This event is free of charge and all are welcome to chat with representatives from the organisations involved.

Aberdeen City Council will be providing information on road safety, gritting, environmental health, recycling, community salt bags scheme, and cycle safety, along with members of the City Wardens team.

Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “Winter can be a difficult time for many people. Whether it’s staying safe on the roads, taking extra security precautions on dark nights or looking after neighbours and relatives in the colder weather, events like this one are vital to keeping our communities safe.

“This event allows people to take a closer look at a gritter, as they might not see them in the mornings before they go to work or school - early morning gritting starts at 4.45am, so most of the vehicles are back at the depot before people leave their homes.

“Visitors can also register to receive a free one-tonne salt bag for their community or ask for advice from any of the agencies that are there on the day.

“Everyone is welcome to come along to this free event and find out the information that will help them to enjoy a safer winter.”

Police Scotland will be there to give information on keeping safe over the winter period including home safety, retail and road safety.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Graeme Mackie said: “We hope people will take the opportunity to come along to this event and speak to the police for advice on keeping safe over the winter. We can offer advice on a range of issues, in particular home safety, personal safety and making sure your vehicle is ready for the winter months.

“We’re pleased to be able to meet the public and answer questions. We want you to enjoy the festive period but to do so safely and responsibly and there are very simple things that you can do to ensure that. If you are unable to make the event advice is available on the Police Scotland website.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be promoting its home fire safety message, as well as reinforcing the road safety message.

The Red Cross will be on hand to discuss partying safe and looking after elderly relatives and neighbours during the cold weather and SCARF will provide advice on reducing fuel bills and creating a warmer, more efficient living environment.

Any groups that would like salt for community use can contact: winter@aberdeencity.gov.uk or call ACC’s Customer Contact Centre on 03000 200 292.

Information about the Aberdeen City Council winter maintenance plan, including weather forecasts and live information about the routes gritters have covered to help with journey planning can be found on the ACC website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/winter

Police Scotland’s winter advice can be found at: http://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/"