Experts to assess Scotland’s preparedness for severe weather

Experts are set to monitor Scotland’s preparedness for severe weather following Storm Arwen last November, the Scottish Government has said.

The new Winter Preparedness Programme to test the response to and recovery from severe winter weather will run over the summer, led by the Scottish Resilience Partnership (SRP).

It is one of a number of measures developed to ensure Scotland is better prepared for significant weather events.

Tens of thousands of homes were left without electricity due to damage caused by Arwen, which brought 90mph winds to some areas.

Further storms – Malik and Corrie – followed in January and February this year, which exacerbated issues.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The purpose of the Storm Arwen review was to ensure lessons were learned and translated into real change to ensure Scotland’s collective resilience approach to future severe weather events is as robust as possible.

“The existing Scottish Government and partner arrangements at national, regional and local levels are underpinned by the same fundamental aim – to keep the people of Scotland safe from danger and ensure our communities are resilient and able to bounce back from challenging disruption.

“The Scottish Government and responder organisations have been working hard to begin implementing the review’s recommendations and I am reassured by the progress outlined today.

“However there is no room for complacency and we recognise the need to prepare for increased severe weather.

“Good planning and preparation is crucial to minimise the impacts on communities as experienced with Storm Arwen.”

Further measures introduced as a result of the Storm Arwen review will see an online and training hub established to help community groups and the voluntary sector prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

A new process to monitor and evaluate Scotland’s resilience system annually will also be developed to ensure issues are identified and resolved quickly.

Jim Savege, chair of the SRP, said: “Ensuring we have effective resilience across Scotland – whether at individual or household level, or for emergency responder organisations – requires a continual process of planning and preparation.

“Every incident and response is an opportunity for learning and improvement and this approach is at the heart of the annual SRP-led programme of preparedness.

“This year’s programme has included a strong focus on individual and community resilience which is of vital importance, particularly in light of Storm Arwen.

“I must extend my thanks to communities and organisations who have been working hard to ensure we are as ready and prepared as we can be to respond to and deal with the different events that are inevitably in front of us.”