Plan for
Nevada Animal Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide

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VII. Preparation

A. Identifying a County Animal Coordinator - examples from CA plan

The County Animal Coordinator is the individual who will act as the single point of contact on animal issues in the OA. This person will staff the EOC for the OA during a disaster. This individual should be trained in SEMS and the Response Information Management System (RIMS) and should be knowledgeable in local animal issues and in the local animal response plan. This person may be a local animal control official, County Agricultural Commissioner, or other county designee. In order to select the best individual for this position, consider:
What are the responsibilities of this position?
Will the local emergency service agency have current and reliable contact information for this person?
Who is the alternate County Animal Coordinator?
What training do these individuals need?

 

B. Identification of Resources

The preparation stage of disaster response allows local groups to plan response activities before a disaster occurs. The most important part of this is identifying local resources available. Following are lists of resources that should be identified prior to a disaster:
1.  Animal Confinement and Shelter Facilities

    a. Small Animal

    Kennels/boarding facilities

    Animal Control facilities

    Wildlife rehabilitation centers

    SPCA/Humane organizations

    Local fairgrounds

    Veterinary clinics

    b. Large Animal

    Local fairgrounds

    Stables or racetracks

    Local FFA or 4-H groups

    Saleyards or auctions

    Railroad holding areas

    Rodeo arenas

    Local educational institutions

    Producers/ranchers/private individuals
 

2.  Animal Food Sources

    a. Small Animal

    Pet stores

    Food banks

    Grocery stores

    Kennels

    Breeders

    b. Large Animal

    Feed stores

    Hay brokers

    Local boarding and breeding facilities

    Ranchers/private individuals
 

3.  Animal Water Sources

    The availability of safe and accessible water will largely depend upon the location of the sheltering facilities in your area. When identifying shelters you should check on the water sources at the facility. If you are concerned about water quality or contaminated water at a particular site, check with the County Department of Health. In an emergency, water may need to be treated with chlorine or other chemicals before use.
4.  Supplies

The following is a suggested list of supplies to locate and/or obtain for animal care and sheltering.
a. Non-Medical Animal Care Supplies
  • Small Animals

    • Pet carriers

    Cat litter

    Collars

    Leashes

    Cages

    Shovels

    Food and water dishes

    Chlorine bleach

    Disinfectant

  • Large Animals

    • Halters

    Lead ropes

    Blankets

    Bedding

    Wheelbarrows

    Rakes

    Pitchforks

    Buckets

    Hoses

    Fly spray

    Chlorine bleach

    Disinfectant

    Lime

    Office Supplies (for record keeping, animal identification, etc.)

    Necessary forms

    Trail marking tape (can be used to make collar)

    Duct tape

    Microchip scanner

    Camera/film

    Pens/pencils

    Permanent markers

    Binders

    Staplers

    Hole punch

    Paper

    Computer/printer

    Copy machine

    Fax machine

    Cell phone
    Flashlights

    Veterinary Supplies

    Medications

    Vaccines

    IV fluids

    Leg wraps

    Bandages

    Ambulatory clinics


Transportation

The following are possible sources of animal transportation resources. Most of the local groups listed should be included in the planning committee.

a. Small Animal

Animal control vehicles

Mobile veterinary clinics

Mobile dog kennels

Local kennel clubs/cat fanciers

Local humane organizations

Private vans, trucks, and trailers

b. Large Animal

Local horsemen’s associations/riding clubs

Private horse trailers

Horse transport companies

Local cattlemen’s association

Rancher livestock transport

Dairy livestock transport

Feedlot transport

Animal control vehicles and horse trailers

University, state, and community college animal transport

Volunteer Resources

Volunteers are the people who make a response plan work. When animals are in danger, you will find many willing volunteers. It is important that volunteers understand the response system, are trained, and are registered disaster service workers. To become a registered Disaster Service Worker, volunteers must register with the local Emergency Services Disaster Council prior to a disaster. Being a registered disaster service worker will allow volunteers to receive workers’compensation should they be injured while volunteering. It will also ensure that volunteers are trained in SEMS and are aware of relief operations. The following is a list of groups that could supply volunteers and help gather other needed resources. Most of these groups should be included in the planning committee:

Local animal control

County Agricultural Commissioner

NVMA

Local humane societies

Local SPCA

College or school groups (4-H, FFA, etc.)

Local Cat Fanciers Associations

Local kennel clubs

Confirmation of Resource Availability

to the identification of local resources, it is important that the availability of resources be periodically confirmed with the owners or suppliers of these resources. In some cases, it may be necessary for the OA to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with resource providers to ensure resource availability in the event of a disaster. It is important that plans be made for gathering needed resources during a disaster. Multiple routes to shelters and areas where resources are kept should be planned.


Organization of Response Activities

Response activities should be organized into clearly defined roles. The following is an outline of some of the roles needed for response, as identified by OES in the State Plan. Local needs may vary. This is only a suggested organizational framework. Some of these functions may already be a part of the local emergency response plan and can be used to support animal response efforts.
1. Management
Management is responsible for overall emergency policy and coordination through the joint efforts of governmental agencies and private organizations. Management duties include:
a. Liaison
The liaison communicates with staff from other agencies in the EOC. This should be the job of the County Animal Coordinator.
b. Public Information Officer
The Public Information Officer develops and releases information about emergency operations to the news media, personnel involved in the response operations, and other appropriate agencies and organizations.
2. Planning and Intelligence
Planning and Intelligence is responsible for collecting, evaluating, and disseminating information during response and recovery activities. Much of this may be done through the statewide RIMS (through OES). Planning and Intelligence duties include:
a. Situation and Status Analysis
Situation and Status Analysis may be assigned to provide information on situation status of animal rescue, care, and sheltering operations.
b. Documentation
Documentation compiles records and data pertaining to the response effort.
c. Mobilization/Demobilization
Mobilization/Demobilization works with Operations and Logistics to help plan the mobilization of personnel, equipment/supplies, and facilities. It also prepares the demobilization plan and monitors its execution.
3. Operations

Operations coordinates all jurisdictional operations in support of the emergency through the implementation of the OA action plan. The animal issues may be assigned to deal with:
a. Care and Sheltering
Care and Sheltering assists in the coordination of animal care and sheltering with human care and sheltering operations.
b. Disease Control
Disease control activities may include
  • Disposal of dead animals

    Separation of sick and healthy animals

    Rabies control

    Capture or euthanasia of animals "at large"
c. Animal Identification System
A system must be developed for identifying animals brought to shelters so that they can be returned to their proper owners. Records must also be kept for dead and unclaimed animals. Those operating the animal identification system may work with Operations to assist in reuniting animals with their owners.
4. Logistics
Logistics is responsible for providing facilities, services, personnel, equipment, and materials. The following is a list of logistical activities needed for responding to animal issues:
a. Communications
Communications staff maintain communications with all sites and personnel responding to animal issues during a disaster. Helps facilitate cooperation between responders.
b. Transportation
Transportation coordinates the movement of transportation resources to where they are needed.
c. Facilities Coordination
Facilities Coordination develops plans for mobilization centers, staging areas, shelters, and regional evacuation points. It oversees the distribution and installation of supplies to these areas.
d. Resource Tracking
Resource Tracking is responsible for tracking the status of resources at the various response sites.
Finance
Finance is responsible for tracking financial activities. The following is a list of activities that need to be tracked for costs incurred by the OA in case of future reimbursement.
a. Employee Time Reporting
b. Procurement of Supplies
c. Workers’ Compensation and Claims
d. Cost Accounting for Response Activities
e. Damage Survey Report  (DSR) Record Keeping
    1. Practice Your Response Plan

      2. Once you have planned your response, it is important that it be practiced periodically. Practicing the response plan will help pinpoint possible problem areas and allow personnel to become comfortable with their roles. Both table top and actual drills are useful.

    2. Volunteer Training
      Dealing with animals, particularly in stressful or chaotic situations such as disasters, requires special skill. Volunteers who handle animals need to have experience or training in this area. Several national, state, and local groups offer training programs.

      The Sierra Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross offers many Disaster Preparedness Courses in Reno, NV SNCARC

      Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS)       Disaster Preparedness workshop schedules with Terri Crisp March 2000 or check out 1999 workshop schedules.
      EARS Workshop info and schedule for future workshops:
      http://www.uan.org/programs/ears/workshopschedule.htm



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