Keep a supply of essential items, such as non-perishable food, water, medicines, nappies, baby food and pet food, at home in case bad weather prevents you getting out.

Look out for neighbours who might be vulnerable or on their own, and make sure they’re warm and have the shopping they need.

Take action to avoid condensation, frozen and burst pipes at home, and have an emergency kit in your car, with items like a warm coat, shovel, bottled water and non-perishable food.

Information and advice is available on the council - northlanarkshire.gov.uk/winter - and Ready Scotland - ready.scot/ - web sites to help people stay safe at home, on the roads and in communities. Updates will also be provided @nlcwinter on X.

The council’s web site also has information on cold weather payments, travel advice during severe weather, gritting policy and what to do in the event of a power cut.

“During winter, the council’s priority is to keep main roads and primary footpaths clear for residents travelling to and from work and schools by car or bus safely and to allow shops and businesses to operate,” said Andrew McPherson, Depute Chief Executive.

“We provide daily updates and information on any services affected by winter weather, and we ask residents to be prepared and plan ahead now for any severe weather ahead.

“Winter can be a difficult time for older and vulnerable people so we would encourage everyone to support neighbours, friends and family by collecting shopping, checking they are safe and warm, or simply calling in for a chat.”

When severe weather is forecast, priority roads - ‘A’, ‘B’ and some ‘C’ roads, main roads in the vicinity of schools, access roads to hospitals, ambulance depots, main police stations and fire stations, and main bus routes - are treated.

The primary path network - urban shopping areas and main pedestrian routes remote from carriageways which link major residential, commercial, industrial and educational facilities - are treated before the morning rush hour.

News of roads and pathway gritting actions are published every day on the web site and on the @nlcwinter X channel, and real time gritting information is available online at northlanarkshire.gov.uk/winter.

The A725 and A8 trunk roads and the M73, M8, M80 and M74 motorways are maintained by the Scottish Government and information is available at www.traffic.gov.scot/

As the council does not have the capacity to treat residential streets, grit bins are available in communities across North Lanarkshire for residents to keep their local paths and streets clear.

Salt is available at Household Waste Recycling Centres and at 14 community centres: Ian Nicholson Centre, Chryston; Salsburgh Community Centre; Shotts Leisure Centre; Burnhead Community Centre, Viewpark; Wishaw Sports Centre; Pivot Centre, Moodiesburn; Airdrie Leisure Centre; Sir Matt Busby Sports Centre, Bellshill; Time Capsule, Coatbridge; Croy park and ride; Newmains Community Trust Centre; Broadwood Leisure Centre, Cumbernauld; Kilsyth Sports Centre; and Aquatec, Motherwell.

Community resilience packs are available for voluntary organisations to use in their local areas, in the event of severe weather. The packs include items such as first aid kits, torches, snow shovels, foil blankets, gloves and high-vis vests. To discuss how these packs can be obtained please contact communitymatters@northlan.gov.uk