MSPs are being asked to get behind a public campaign to ensure no repeat of major problems during severe weather.
Unusually cold conditions at the end of 2010 caused gridlock on the roads, caused the closure of the M8 and left people stranded in their homes.
Many of the problems could be avoided if people are properly prepared, Transport Minister Keith Brown suggested at the launch of the campaign on Monday.
He is expected to lead a debate on winter resilience at the Scottish Parliament.
"One of the key drivers behind this year's campaign is to encourage everyone in Scotland to start thinking about how severe weather could impact them at home, before setting out on journeys, in their communities and at their place of work," he said at the campaign launch.
"Our weather can change quickly and this year we have already seen some people affected by floods and high winds.
"We need to keep getting the message out to families, businesses and communities across Scotland about the need to get ready for all kinds of severe weather. Our preparedness campaign shows the simple steps we can all take to achieve this."
Research suggests about 40% of people feel prepared for severe weather and that 76% of car owners think they are doing enough to prepare for poor driving conditions with just an ice scraper and de-icer.
