Disasters happen all too regularly. It is noted in the Media constantly. We may even say to ourselves how do these people deal with this situation so calmly. I have an answer, either it is not calmly, it only looks like it, or they are very prepared.
The following worksheet may be useful for planners and emergency managers as they write animal-related sections of preparedness documents.
Some of the items may not apply to your situation but I trust this will begin the thought process and will identify the importance of Being Prepared…
1. Type of Disaster (Be Specific)
2. Likely Scope of Disaster
- Geographical Boundaries
- Population Affected (People/Animals)
- Length of Disaster (Hours/Days/Weeks)
3. Services You May Need
- Animal Delivery
- Animal Housing; In House, Temporary Shelters
- Provide Feed for Evacuated Animals
- Deliver Feed to Isolated Areas; Ground Vehicle, Boat, Plane, Helicopter, Snow Vehicle
- Medical Care; Veterinarian
- Financial Assistance; Insurance
- Animal Rescue
- Other
4. Communications — What You May/May Not Have Available
- Phone Lines
- Mobile Radios
- Portable Radios (Hand Sets)
- Base Station
- Couriers
- Cellular Phones
- Other
5. Networking — Get to Know them Before the Disaster
- R.M. Administration
- Local Community Administration
- R.C.M.P.
- Fire Department
- Ambulance Services
- Fairgrounds/Rodeo Grounds
- Volunteers
- Emergency Measures Organization (EMO)
- Media
- Other
6. Animal Caging and Equipment
- Portable Cages/Crates
- Temporary Livestock Stalls
- Boats
- Feed As Lures
- Other
7. Emergency Staffing
- Staff
- Phone In On Days Off/Vacation In Case Of Disaster
- Automatically Report In During Disaster
- Volunteers – Phone List Available
- Board Of Directors
- Three Teams
- Animal
- Medical
- Boat/Rescue Crew
Today’s farmers should purchase insurance from people who know farming. Farming is a business, and you should seek advice from people who understand your business.