It’s always best to be prepared for emergencies, such as power cuts, that may happen during the winter months.

Put together an emergency kit, including:

• battery operated torches
• spare batteries
• tinned and dried food, a can opener and bottled water
• baby food and nappies
• warm blankets
• essential medication, toiletries and a first-aid kit
• pet supplies
• wind-up radio
• list of key contacts, such as insurance companies

Ready Scotland has more information on emergency kits.

Resilience packs, with a range of equipment to help communities respond to emergency situations, are available via local groups across North Lanarkshire. 

Always keep your mobile phone charged and ready to use so you can reach out to friends and family.

If you or someone you know is elderly, disabled or vulnerable or depends on electricity to keep medical or mobility equipment running, sign up to the Priority Services Register. This is a free service provided by water and power suppliers to offer extra support during power cuts or an interruption to electricity, gas or water supplies.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service provides advice on what to do to escape a fire at home.

What should I do during a power cut?

• Turn off items such as irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers as they could pose a hazard if the power comes back on when you are not there.
• Call 105 to report the power cut and to be connected to local support
• Leave a light on so you know when the power outage has been resolved.
• Check to see if your neighbours are okay.
• Wrap up warm.

Be prepared for flooding

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) operates the Floodline service providing information and advice on how to prepare for or cope with the impacts of flooding 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Sign up for notifications when the area you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding. 

Counter Terrorism Policing campaign

HM Government's Counter Terrorism Policing campaign aims to encourage everyone to stay alert and help keep each other safe this winter.

It asks everyone to trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right.