苏格兰打响“迎冬战役”

在经历连续两个寒冬之后，苏格兰政府今年未雨绸缪，于近日打响“迎冬战役”，号召居民、社区以及各行业采取“简单但有效的方式”为应对冬季极端天气做好准备。苏格兰在过去两年连续遭遇极端寒冬，大雪和冰冻致使全国主要道路、机场以及学校关闭。苏格兰政府委托进行的一项调查显示，超过半数的苏格兰人都对如何应对冬季极端天气这一问题比较关注，而有五分之三的人表示对大雪和长期冰冻等极端天气准备不足。为此，苏格兰政府联合英国红十字会共同推出了这次“迎冬战役”，为居民提供安全过冬的必要信息和建议。同时，苏格兰交通部门也开始着手准备相关措施，以确保主要交通要道在遭遇冰雪袭击时能及时得到维护。

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.