Be Prepared for Winter

During severe winter weather, you can help yourself and your neighbourhood by being prepared for whatever the winter weather may bring. When clearing snow or ice, wear warm clothes and footwear with a good grip. Don’t take risks on the road and wear visible clothing so you can be seen. It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow. By removing the top layer of snow in the morning any sunshine will help melt the ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt or grit before nightfall to stop it refreezing. Clear a small path down the middle of the pavement for a safe surface to walk on then shovel from the centre to the kerb. Don’t block paths, driveways or drains. Don’t use water to clear snow as it could easily re-freeze as black ice. You can use ordinary table salt. A tablespoon for each square metre should work. Use more salt on steps and steep pathways. Salting areas before snow fall makes snow clearance easier Sand gives a good grip, but won’t stop the path icing over. Replace salt after further snowfalls or rain. Remember there's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home. The Scottish Government advises that it's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any accidents on the path if you have cleared it carefully used common sense and have not done anything which would be likely to cause harm or distress to others.