Emergency Planning
Preparing for Emergencies that you have warning of
All these emergencies are weather related. Check the weather links on our home page or the links at lower right or monitor local radio.
Severe Storm
Weather forecasts are available every day on Television and Radio. More detailed local forecasts are available on local radio. Forecasting is available through the Internet; a series of links can be found on our home page.
Severe Storms are not uncommon in Shetland and Shetlanders are generally well prepared for them. Buildings are generally constructed to withstand these conditions. However, damage does sometimes occur and the risk from flying debris cannot be overstated. Some vehicles, especially those that are high-sided, can be at risk of being blown over. During Severe Storms; electricity supplies can be disrupted by cables or poles being blown down; electricity and communications can be disrupted by lightning strike.
Precautions to take:
- Tie down loose items that cannot be brought indoors.
- Check that guttering and downpipes are clear if you have time and it is safe to do so.
- Bring in extra fuel if required.
- Stay indoors and keep pets inside.
- Do not drive, unless absolutely necessary.
- Clear windowsills and close curtains to protect against flying glass.
- If electricity or water is cut off, inform the relevant utility company – for contact numbers click here (link) – bear in mind that if a large area is affected or the weather is still severe, it may take some time for the utility company to get to the area and carry out any repair.
If damage does occur:
- As soon as it is safe, rope off or protect the damaged areas to prevent injury from falling masonry and broken glass. Electrical cables should be dealt with by a qualified individual.
Blizzard
Blizzards can cause disruption to road traffic and sometimes bring down power lines. It can be extremely dangerous to drive or move about outside due to wind chill and possible disorientation.
Precautions to take:
- Ensure warm clothing and extra blankets/bedding is available in case heating should be cut off
- Bring in extra fuel if required
- Stay indoors and keep pets inside
- Do not drive, unless absolutely necessary
- If you do drive and become stuck, remember that the people who will have to come and find you, will have to put their own lives at risk. You may also be preventing them from helping someone whose need is much greater than yours.
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If you absolutely must drive, bearing in mind that you may be putting you, your passengers and potential rescuers lives at risk, then prepare for getting stuck on the road
- take your emergency pack, warm and waterproof clothing, blankets and/or sleeping bags, a shovel, a fully charged mobile phone
- before you leave, inform someone of your route and the time you expect to arrive at your destination. If you do not call them to inform them that you have arrived, they can contact the emergency services for you
- if you do become stuck, do not leave your car, unless your life is threatened. It will be much safer for you to stay where you are, and the emergency services will expect to find you in your car.
- If you become blocked in by a snowdrift, do not run your car engine. Many people have died of suffocation from car fumes in this way. If you wrap up in your blankets, you should not suffer hypothermia.
- remember that the emergency services may not be able to look for you straight away and you may be trapped in your car for many hours
If electricity or water is cut off, inform the relevant utility company – click here for utility contact numbers– bear in mind that if a large area is affected or the weather is still severe, it may take some time for the utility company to get to the area and carry out any repair
Storm Surge/Flooding
Storm surges result as a combination of very low pressure associated with a weather depression combining with a very high tide. This, in association with high waves caused by the storm, can cause flooding of low-lying coastal areas.
Flooding can also be caused by exceptionally high rainfall, resulting in watercourses overflowing their banks, which can be exacerbated by blockage of the watercourse.
The Government has produced a pamphlet, Preparing for Flooding (pdf). Flood Warnings will be posted on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency Flooding site or you can call the Floodline number on 0845 988 1188.
Precautions to take:
- Protect doorways and low level air vents with sandbags or rubbish bags filled with earth (remember to remove these when it is safe to do so).
- Turn off the electricity supply at the mains switch.
- Move as much as you can, including food, to a higher level.
- Stay indoors.
- Stay calm.
- Keep pets inside.
- Monitor local radio for public information announcements.
- If you are trapped by flooding, remain near a window in order to attract attention.
Landslides
The landslides on the south mainland in 2003 have shown that a torrential downpour can cause landslides.
In areas where landslides have occurred in the past, precautions should be taken if the above weather pattern should occur.
There are no precise means of predicting where landslides may occur. If your home lies below sloping ground that can become saturated with water, there is a possibility of risk. If you are concerned that you may be at risk and need advice, contact Infrastructure Services at the Council on 01595 744800.
Precautions to take:
- Protect doorways and low level air vents with sandbags or rubbish bags filled with earth (remember to remove these when it is safe to do so).
- Turn off the electricity supply at the mains switch.
- Stay indoors.
- Stay calm.
- Keep pets inside.
- If a landslide affects your home, telephone the emergency services.