Cold weather arrangements
Work to repair a burst pipe at Mayfield Primary School in Saltcoats has now been carried out and the school will reopen on Wednesday 20 January 2010.
However, due to recent adverse weather and further expected cold spells, parents are advised to continue to check the Council's website and listen to West Sound radio for up-to-date information on school closures.
Wet weather over the weekend could cause some localised flooding and residents are advised to take care.
Sleet and rain falling on surfaces that are below freezing could also increase the risk of ice should temperatures fall again, so roads and pavements may still be very slippery.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is also renewing its warning about the dangers of walking on iced-over ponds and rivers as the thaw increases the risk of people and animals falling through into freezing water.
As temperatures rise, pipes are at greater risk of damage. For advice on how to decrease the risk of burst pipes and what to do in the event of a leak visit the Burst Pipes section of the Council's Information Zone.
Roads
Stationary grit bins
Burst Pipes
Schools
Emergency repairs for Council tenants
Help your neighbours
Travel information
Weather
Health
Roads
Up to 16 inches of snow has fallen since 19th December 2009 in some parts of North Ayrshire with road surface temperatures as low as –10C.
Due to the severe weather conditions affecting the whole of the UK, salt stocks are running low here and throughout Scotland.
The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) has been in operation since December 22 and is working closely with local authorities and Transport Scotland to co-ordinate the response to the wintry weather.
It is expected that further salt stocks will be distributed to local authority areas that have the greatest need in order to keep the main routes open.
North Ayrshire covers 885 square km with a road network of 1,020 km. Our precautionary salting route covers 54 per cent of that road network.
Unfortunately, it is not be possible to salt 100 per cent of the road network however, our gritting routes are prioritised.
All A and B Class roads, main bus routes, school and hospital routes and associated pathways take priority because they are the busiest routes and therefore pose the greatest risk of accident.
Other roads will be treated after our priority routes where resources are available, while Amey maintains major trunk routes.
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Stationary grit bins
There are a number of small and large grit bins (PDF 46kb) across North Ayrshire*, from which residents are welcome to take enough mix to treat their immediate streets and pathways.
Due to low salt stock, which is being preserved for priority routes, these bins are currently being filled with a sand/grit mix and will be replenished regularly.
Although this does not melt snow and ice as salt does, the mix will offer some traction under foot and for vehicles.
*Please note that some grit bins may be missing. The Council has reported a number of grit bin thefts to the police in recent days.
It has also been noted that some companies have been taking sand/grit mix for commercial purposes.
These grit bins are supplied for residents and we would urge anyone who sees a bin being removed to contact the police, who will actively pursue the complaint.
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Burst Waters Pipes
Some questions and answers on burst pipes - if your are a council tenant refer to emergency repairs for council tenants.
What can I do to prevent my pipes from freezing?
The best thing to do is avoid freezing pipes by keeping your heating on, running cold taps regularly and draining your outside tap where possible.
This is particularly important for anyone who is leaving their property empty for a few days.
Can well-lagged pipes or plastic ones be affected, too?
Even well-lagged pipes can freeze if there are parts of the system that have no heat. Insulation or lagging is only a barrier. Try and ensure that water tanks and pipes have a small amount of heat getting to them.This can be done by keeping cupboard doors and hatches to the attic slightly open at night.
My pipes are frozen solid, what should I do?
The most important messages is to switch the stop-cock off straight away. Usually found under the kitchen sink or in a bathroom.
Then, if at all possible, just let nature take its course - wait for things to warm up: switch off and wait. Alternatively, turn up your heating and allow the heat to get to your pipes and water tank.
Are there any dangers in trying to thaw them?
There are dangers with trying to thaw the pipes yourself, it is not advised.
Also, bear this mind: when you thaw the pipe, you unblock what pressure is in the pipe.
Be particularly careful with copper pipes, which could easily burst.
If gas is involved you must use someone on the Gas Safe Register.
What should I do if I have a burst pipe?
Turn off the water at the stopcock. Drain your system by turning on all of your taps this will reduce the leakage. Turn the taps off once the system in drained
If the water is leaking near lights or other electric appliances, turn off the electricity at the main switch.
What can people do to minimise their plumbing bills?
Consider whether you are really facing an emergency - you will pay over the odds out of hours.
If you take your time and get three quotes for the job you want done you will probably save money.
Try to use a plumber recommended by someone you trust. Ideally, you should use a member of a trade association.
Scottish Water provides good practical information, advice and contact numbers for house holders.
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Schools
All North Ayrshire schools are open for all pupils.
The Council would also like to advise parents that throughout the cold weather we would appreciate if they did not attempt to enter the school car parks and if for any reason they need to do so, they proceed with extreme caution.
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Emergency repairs for Council tenants
Freezing temperatures can cause damage to pipes and heating systems. Council tenants have access to a repairs service and should call 0800 0196 444 in the event of a burst pipe or heating failure.
Any residents who get a burst pipe are advised to:
· Quickly turn off the water supply at the main stopcock
· Switch off water heaters
· Turn central heating system off.
· Run all cold water taps to drain the water system – this should take around 15 minutes.
· Collect water in the bath for washing.
· Warn neighbours who may suffer damage.
· Keep your house warm day and night.
· Check you have valid home contents insurance.
· If you are over 60, claim your Winter Fuel Payment.
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Help your neighbours
Elderly and vulnerable people are particularly at risk during prolonged periods of bad weather. Be a good neighbour and look out for elderly relatives and friends to making sure that they are safe, warm and have food supplies to last for the next week or so.
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Travel information
Information on travel disruption can be found on Traffic Scotland
Drivers are urged to take extra care on the roads and leave plenty of time for journeys.
Commuters can access information on disruption to public transport by contacting Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 22 33
There is additional travel information in the following areas
Ferries
Stagecoach Buses
Scotrail
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Weather
The Met Office has 24 hour and five-day weather forecasts.
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Health
NHS 24 provides health information and self care advice on common winter health problems
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