PEOPLE in Moray are being urged to be prepared for severe weather this winter.
A ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign has been launched by the British Red Cross and Scottish Government.
A recent survey revealed that most people are concerned about power cuts, being cut off from water supply or disruption to fuel supplies.
The vast majority of car owners think they are doing enough to prepare for poor driving conditions with just an ice-scraper and de-icer.
Minister for Transport Keith Brown said: "One of the key drivers behind this year’s campaign is to encourage everyone in Scotland to start thinking about how severe weather could impact them at home, before setting out on journeys, in their communities, and at their place of work.
"Our weather can change quickly and this year we have already seen some people affected by floods and high-winds. We need to keep getting the message out to families, businesses and communities across Scotland about the need to get ready for all kinds of severe weather."
David Miller, Red Cross spokesman, added: "Severe weather can take many forms - not just snow and ice - and it is important that we are all prepared for it at home, on the road and in the community.
"Last winter was the mildest in years, yet many people in Scotland still suffered hardship and inconvenience due to high winds and flooding which resulted in temporary loss of utilities and caused great damage.
"We cannot legislate for the weather but we can make life easier for ourselves if we take a few simple steps to prepare for it."
The campaign includes a range of online resources and will feature integrated marketing activity across TV, local press, radio, news websites and social media, and is due to run until mid-November.
A national roadshow will also take to the streets, visiting all local authority areas across the country, offering practical information and guidance on preparing for all kinds of severe weather.
For more information please see www.readyscotland.org
