FIFERS are being urged to get ready for winter as Fife Council gets behind a national campaign to ensure Scotland is better prepared this year.

There are lots of ways to stay informed this winter.  There is no need for people to feel isolated when severe weather hits.  There are plenty of options available for Fife’s residents to find out information.

The telephone is not the only way to stay in touch.  The Council needs to make sure it can reach those who need it the most and to keep phone lines clear for emergencies, if possible.

By checking out www.fifedirect.org.uk/winter, people can sign up for personal emails or text alerts to find out about school or facility closures.  This means you find out information that you need at the earliest opportunity so you can plan ahead.  There’s plenty of advice on how to prepare whether at home, in the car and in your community.

If the weather turns severe, the home page of Fife Direct will be dedicated to winter information and advice.

Follow Fife Council on Facebook and Twitter.  Thousands have joined Fife Council on Facebook and follow the feeds on Twitter.  All winter updates will appear as they happen direct to your mobile phone or computer.

Tune in to your local radio stations Kingdom FM, Radio Forth and Tay FM for the latest updates.  Individual school closures are broadcast as and when the decision is made not to open an individual school.  The head teacher will make the final decision to open the school during severe weather and this will be made on the day by 7.00 am.  Again, signing up for alerts or an email will ensure that parents and carers can make alternative arrangements, if necessary.

Search for m.fifedirect.org.uk on the browser of your mobile phone to access the Fife Direct website and get the latest updates on closures, disruptions and advice during severe weather.

You can keep up to date on what’s happening on tv by going to channel 539 and then pressing the red button for Sky and Virgin media users should press home, select interactive.

Check out 08451 55 11 99 for information on updates.  Otherwise, if you need emergency help, speak to an advisor on 08451 55 00 99.   For all information on Winter in Fife go to www.fifedirect.org.uk/winter