KEY sections of a Community Emergency Plan for Staffin – which swings into action in the event of extreme weather, a power cut or other major disruption – require to be updated.
Staffin Community Council is keen to ensure the vital plan, which offers support to local people, particularly vulnerable residents, is up to date as we head into the winter months.
Part of the plan includes having a list of local organisation in Staffin and residents who may be able to offer assistance during an emergency. This includes emergency services such as the HM Coastguard and the Scottish Fire Service but also local residents such as the key holders to Staffin Community Hall, etc.
Staffin Community Council would be delighted to hear from any local people who would like to be included on a volunteer list, if an emergency situation arose. The community council is also keen to draw up a list of crofters who may be willing to provide assistance, particularly those who could provide tractors. Any Staffin residents who could provide a generator(s) are also urged to get in touch.
Staffin Community Hall and Columba 1400 have been identified as “places of safety” should there be an emergency.
Please note that if you were to volunteer to be included on the Emergency Plan your name and address is not published publicly.
If you think you can help please contact Staffin Community Council chairwoman Norma Young via e-mail norma.young@highland.gov.uk or Highland Council’s Skye ward manager Willie MacKinnon on 01478 6138649 or e-mail Willie.Mackinnon@highland.gov.uk
A Staffin whiteout.
By law, the council must ensure that emergency plans are in place. Emergencies can happen at any time, with or without warning and can threaten life, shut down businesses, disrupt operations and cause physical damage.
Emergencies can be localised and short-lived, such as a temporary loss of the 999 service at a local telephone exchange, or widespread and prolonged. It is essential for the emergency services, local authorities, health boards, public utilities, and voluntary organisations, businesses, communities and individuals, to have arrangements in place and to know what to expect from one another.