We work with other organisations to deal with the effects of an emergency, whatever the cause.

We follow the principles of Integrated Emergency Management.

For example, designated rest centres can be set up to provide shelter and/or food when people have been forced to evacuate their home or are having a prolonged power outage.

Planning ahead can reduce the impact severe weather has on your home or business and can make it easier to get back to normality after the event. Ready Scotland has many useful tips for preparing at home, on the move, in the community and workplace.

Flooding

This can be a problem at any time of year due to burns or rivers overflowing because to snow melt or high rainfall, or drains reaching capacity during a flash flood. The primary responsibility to protect a property lies with the occupier, however we share responsibility for dealing with flooding with a number of agencies, including Scottish Water, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and the Scottish Government.

If you are concerned that your life is at risk  contact Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on 999.

Floodline is a 24-hour telephone information service operated by SEPA. It relays recorded messages providing up to date information about flood alerts that are in force in Scotland. You can sign up for text alerts of flooding in your area by calling 0345 988 1188.