蘇格蘭打響“迎冬戰役”

在經歷連續兩個寒冬之後，蘇格蘭政府今年未雨綢繆，於近日打響“迎冬戰役”，號召居民、社區以及各行業採取“簡單但有效的方式”爲應對冬季極端天氣做好準備。蘇格蘭在過去兩年連續遭遇極端寒冬，大雪和冰凍致使全國主要道路、機場以及學校關閉。蘇格蘭政府委託進行的一項調查顯示，超過半數的蘇格蘭人都對如何應對冬季極端天氣這一問題比較關注，而有五分之三的人表示對大雪和長期冰凍等極端天氣準備不足。爲此，蘇格蘭政府聯合英國紅十字會共同推出了這次“迎冬戰役”，爲居民提供安全過冬的必要信息和建議。同時，蘇格蘭交通部門也開始着手準備相關措施，以確保主要交通要道在遭遇冰雪襲擊時能及時得到維護。

Scotland's first ever severe weather readiness campaign is being launched by the Scottish government.

The 'Ready for Winter?' campaign aims to encourage people, communities and businesses to take "simple but sensible steps" in readiness for tough weather conditions.

The move follows two successive severe winters in Scotland.

Prolonged heavy snow and a big freeze shut down major roads, airports and schools aCross the country.

The campaign is being delivered in partnership with the British Red Cross.

Its launch follows a Scottish government-commissioned survey which suggested more than half of Scots were concerned about coping with extreme weather this winter.

Three-fifths of those surveyed in May said they were not properly prepared for heavy snow, a prolonged freeze or flooding.

And two-thirds of respondents said they were concerned about a major emergency having an impact on them or their community in the next five years.

'Lessons learned'

The Scottish government said it had "worked hard to ensure that lessons are learned to improve preparations and enhance services".

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "We only need to look back over the past two winters to see the significant impact that prolonged periods of severe weather can have on the daily lives of individuals and on the communities in which they live.

"This research shows that people are concerned about their ability to cope in an emergency, to keep themselves and their family safe, and it suggests that many do not feel adequately prepared for any severe weather that we might face this coming winter.

"Individuals and communities are stronger when they help themselves and help others."

He added: "The campaign we will be launching with the British Red Cross, and other partners, will help address many of these concerns and will provide the sort of information and advice that many people have said they are looking for to make sure they can play their part in keeping safe and secure over the coming months."

British Red Cross in Scotland director Norman McKinley said: "Despite the severe weather of the past two years, this research shows just how unprepared many people in Scotland are for winter."

Earlier this month Transport Minister Keith Brown announced a £15m plan to keep Scotland's transport system moving this winter.

However, Mr Brown warned the public that even with the best laid plans severe weather would bring disruption.

Transport Scotland, along with the country's 32 local authorities, has already begun preparations to ensure Scotland's 2,000 miles of motorways and trunk roads can be treated in the event of snow and ice.