CERT:A Mechanism For Animal Response

Capacity Building

CERT:A Mechanism For Animal Response

Capacity Building

2009 National Conference on Community Preparedness:

The Power of Citizen Corps

August 11, 2009

Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MSCapitol Region Emergency Planning Committee

Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation

2009 National Conference on Community Preparedness:

The Power of Citizen Corps

August 11, 2009

Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MSCapitol Region Emergency Planning Committee

Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation

CT Hurricane Tracks: 1851 - 2005CT Hurricane Tracks: 1851 - 2005

Overview of Issue:Overview of Issue:

Safeguarding the public in a disaster may require evacuation

Safe and orderly evacuations require attention to the needs of the evacuees, as they themselves perceive them (“special needs”)

The status of domestic animals has evolved with many Americans cherishing their animals as they do human family members

Safeguarding the public in a disaster may require evacuation

Safe and orderly evacuations require attention to the needs of the evacuees, as they themselves perceive them (“special needs”)

The status of domestic animals has evolved with many Americans cherishing their animals as they do human family members

Overview of Issue:Overview of Issue:

Ignoring the needs of animals inhibits evacuation, is a public relations disaster for emergency management and createsunnecessary complications for recovery

A credible, credentialed capacity to manage animal issues in disasters must be created in advance, in as thoughtful a manner as are all other response capabilities

Ignoring the needs of animals inhibits evacuation, is a public relations disaster for emergency management and createsunnecessary complications for recovery

A credible, credentialed capacity to manage animal issues in disasters must be created in advance, in as thoughtful a manner as are all other response capabilities

Government’s Interest in Animals In DisastersGovernment’s Interest in Animals In Disasters

:• Government is responsible for the publics health & safety in

evacuations.

• Failure-to-Evacuate due to animal ownership is an acknowledged concern.

• Government now shares responsibility for evacuee-owned household pets in evacuations.

• While the primary concern is overwhelmingly about people,it is recognized that protecting pets helps protect people.

:• Government is responsible for the publics health & safety in

evacuations.

• Failure-to-Evacuate due to animal ownership is an acknowledged concern.

• Government now shares responsibility for evacuee-owned household pets in evacuations.

• While the primary concern is overwhelmingly about people,it is recognized that protecting pets helps protect people.

Magnitude of the ChallengeMagnitude of the Challenge

•59% Households Include Companion Animals

•Average of 2.6 Animals Per Pet-Owning Household

•If 10% of Evacuees Seek Public Shelter:50 Animals Per 100 Persons

Legal Requirements & Incentives

Pet Evacuation & Transportation StandardsAct of 2006

Post-Katrina Emergency Management ReformAct of 2006

State & Local Legislation:CT, CA, FL, HI, IL, LA, ME, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY,TX, VA, VT

Pet Evacuation & Transportation Standards Act of 2006

“PETS” Act“PETS” Act

“the (FEMA) Director shall ensure that such (state & local) plans take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.”

“the (FEMA) Director shall ensure that such (state & local) plans take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.”

Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006

Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006

PKEMRAPKEMRA

“Authorizes the provision of rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs to individuals with household pets and service animals and to such animals.”

“Authorizes the provision of rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs to individuals with household pets and service animals and to such animals.”

Understanding ConnecticutUnderstanding Connecticut

Home Rule State

169 Municipalities & 2 Tribal Nations

No County Government

5 Preparedness Regions

Home Rule State

169 Municipalities & 2 Tribal Nations

No County Government

5 Preparedness Regions

Understanding ConnecticutUnderstanding Connecticut

After 1970After 1958

Connecticut Preparedness RegionsConnecticut Preparedness Regions

Voluntary !

Connecticut AuthorityConnecticut Authority

•Municipal Participation in Regional Collaboration Is Voluntary.

•Example: “CREPC”:

Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) represents 29 cities & towns.

CRCOG administers preparedness collaborationfor the Capitol Region Emergency Planning Committee(CREPC) which represents the 29 CRCOG cities &towns, plus 12 more.

•Municipal Participation in Regional Collaboration Is Voluntary.

•Example: “CREPC”:

Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) represents 29 cities & towns.

CRCOG administers preparedness collaborationfor the Capitol Region Emergency Planning Committee(CREPC) which represents the 29 CRCOG cities &towns, plus 12 more.

Connecticut Public Act 07-11Connecticut Public Act 07-11“An Act Concerning Evacuation of

Pets & Service Animals”“An Act Concerning Evacuation of

Pets & Service Animals”

Connecticut “Pets Act”Connecticut “Pets Act”

No town or city of the state shall be eligible for any state or federal benefits until such town or city has submitted

to the commissioner an emergency plan of operations which includes:

(i) measures to be taken in preparation for anticipated attack, major disaster or emergency, including

(ii) the nonmilitary evacuation of the civilian population, pets and service animals;

No town or city of the state shall be eligible for any state or federal benefits until such town or city has submitted

to the commissioner an emergency plan of operations which includes:

(i) measures to be taken in preparation for anticipated attack, major disaster or emergency, including

(ii) the nonmilitary evacuation of the civilian population, pets and service animals;

Connecticut Animal PlanningConnecticut Animal Planning

Companion Animals Regionally Addressed

Food Animals & Livestock Addressed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture:

Lead Agency in Animal Disease Emergencies•Foreign animal diseases in cooperation with the

United States Department of Agriculture

•Zoonotic diseases in cooperation with theConnecticut Department of Public Health

Companion Animals Regionally Addressed

Food Animals & Livestock Addressed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture:

Lead Agency in Animal Disease Emergencies•Foreign animal diseases in cooperation with the

United States Department of Agriculture

•Zoonotic diseases in cooperation with theConnecticut Department of Public Health

Companion Animal ResponsePublic-Private Partnership

Companion Animal ResponsePublic-Private Partnership

Animal Response Elements:What Resources? Why CERT?

• Credible Leadership

• Volunteer Responders

• “Insurable” Training & Credentialing

• Mission Specific Equipment

• Integrated Command Structure

The Veterinary Profession’s DutyThe Veterinary Profession’s Duty

• The late Calvin Schwabe, an internationally known veterinary epidemiologist, in his book “What Should A Veterinarian Do?”, argued that a veterinarian’s education conferred a broad responsibility to share our expertise with society.

• The late Calvin Schwabe, an internationally known veterinary epidemiologist, in his book “What Should A Veterinarian Do?”, argued that a veterinarian’s education conferred a broad responsibility to share our expertise with society.

Veterinarian’s OathVeterinarian’s Oath

• Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society throughthe protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

• I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

• I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

• Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society throughthe protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

• I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

• I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

Professional ResponsibilityProfessional Responsibility

Veterinary students are taught that “Professional Responsibility” refers both to the responsibility of the profession, as well as to the individual professional.

A sense of an obligation of service is inculcated throughout the veterinary curriculum

Leadership in animal welfare and public health are encouraged as the way to fulfill this collective responsibility.

Veterinary students are taught that “Professional Responsibility” refers both to the responsibility of the profession, as well as to the individual professional.

A sense of an obligation of service is inculcated throughout the veterinary curriculum

Leadership in animal welfare and public health are encouraged as the way to fulfill this collective responsibility.

Connecticut Veterinary Medical AssociationConnecticut Veterinary Medical Association

• Professional society of 630+ veterinarians.

• Represents >90 % of Connecticut’s practicing veterinarians.

• Primary functions include providing professional education, professional networking and subject matter expertise to individuals and organizations.

• Professional society of 630+ veterinarians.

• Represents >90 % of Connecticut’s practicing veterinarians.

• Primary functions include providing professional education, professional networking and subject matter expertise to individuals and organizations.

ConnecticutState Animal Response Team

Program

ConnecticutState Animal Response Team

Program• CVMA collaborates with state & local (regional) government, to sustain the Connecticut State Animal Response Team Program (CTSART).

• The CTSART program utilizes CERT as its fundamental organizational framework.

• CTSART is composed of five CERT’s, each operating as a Regional Animal Response Team.

• CVMA collaborates with state & local (regional) government, to sustain the Connecticut State Animal Response Team Program (CTSART).

• The CTSART program utilizes CERT as its fundamental organizational framework.

• CTSART is composed of five CERT’s, each operating as a Regional Animal Response Team.

Credible Leaders…Credible Leaders…

Preparedness Region 1Preparedness Region 1

Mr. Richard FournierDEMHS Region 1 Coordinator

Dr. Sheldon YessenowRegion 1 ART Team Leader

Preparedness Region 2Preparedness Region 2

Mr. Roy PiperDEMHS Region 2 Coordinator

Dr. Chris GargamelliRegion 2 ART Team Leader

Preparedness Region 3Preparedness Region 3

Mr. Thomas GavaghanDEMHS Region 3 Coordinator

Dr. Arnold L GoldmanRegion 3 ART Team Leader

Preparedness Region 4Preparedness Region 4

Mr. Anthony ScaloraDEMHS Region 4 Coordinator

Dr. Dennis ThibeaultRegion 4 ART Team Leader

Preparedness Region 5Preparedness Region 5

Mr. Robert KenneyDEMHS Region 5 Coordinator

Dr. Donna CobelliRegion 5 ART Team Leader

Volunteer Responders…Volunteer Responders…

Volunteer Responders

•Typical CERT Member Wants to Help In Any Way Able

•Many (59%) Own Animals Themselves And Intuitively Understand the Importance of the Issue

•Many CERT Members Willing To Add Animal Response to Their Local CERT Repertoire

•For Citizens Already Passionate About Animals, The Animal Response Mission Is What Attracts Them to CERT

Connecticut Municipal CERT’sConnecticut Municipal CERT’s

Volunteer RespondersMultiple Sources of Volunteers:

•Existing CERT’s

•First Responder Community

•Animal Control

•Veterinary Associations

•Veterinary Technicians & Assistants

•Dog & Cat Club Members

•Equine & Agriculture Organizations

•Animal Welfare Organizations

•Members of the Public

“Insurable” Training & Credentialing“Insurable” Training & Credentialing

• Connecticut Title 28 Defines the Legal Framework in Which Civilian Volunteers May Serve Government in Emergencies

• The Connecticut Attorney General in a July, 2006 finding, clarified for the Commissioner of the Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management that CERT qualifies as a Title 28-protected “Civilian Preparedness Force”

• Connecticut Title 28 Defines the Legal Framework in Which Civilian Volunteers May Serve Government in Emergencies

• The Connecticut Attorney General in a July, 2006 finding, clarified for the Commissioner of the Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management that CERT qualifies as a Title 28-protected “Civilian Preparedness Force”

Civilian Preparedness ForceCivilian Preparedness Force• “During training and participation in civil

preparedness activities, Title 28 provides compensation for death, disability or injury.”

• “Volunteers are immune from liability for actions taken in the course of their civil preparedness duties, except for willful misconduct.”

• Title 28 Protections apply to trained, credentialed CERT volunteers during further training, exercises or deployments, only when these activities are officially sanctioned.

• “During training and participation in civil preparedness activities, Title 28 provides compensation for death, disability or injury.”

• “Volunteers are immune from liability for actions taken in the course of their civil preparedness duties, except for willful misconduct.”

• Title 28 Protections apply to trained, credentialed CERT volunteers during further training, exercises or deployments, only when these activities are officially sanctioned.

Training…Training…

Training…

Basic CERT

Animal Behavior, Safe Handling & Restraint

Animal First Aid

Animal Agriculture / Animal Disease Overview

Bio-safety & HazMat / PPE Awareness

Mission Appropriate Equipment…Mission Appropriate Equipment…

Equine Response UnitEquine Response Unit

Dr. Peter ConservaLarge Animal Coordinator

Equine Response Unit

Basic Training for Municipal CERT’s, Community Groups, Municipal Fire Departments and Public Outreach

Integrated Command Structure

Integrated Command Structure

Mission…Mission…

Mission…Mission…

CTSART

EvacuationShelter

Co-located primary

evacuation shelters

Feeding / hygiene

Secondary shelters

Search & “Rescue”

Field Assessment Triage

Veterinary Services

Assessment

Request resources

Large animal response

ACO Authority &

Responsibility

Assist human rescue teams

Evacuate animals as workload permits

Triage veterinary

medical care

Facilitate transfer for

higher level care

OperationsOperationsOne Goal is to Minimize Labor Intensive & Hazardous “Rescue”

MRC-VC

CTSART CERT Summary

• A Credible, Flexible Programmatic Framework

• Integrates With State, County & Local All Hazards -- All Disciplines Planning & Response Mechanisms

• Utilizes the “Local Response is First & Best” Principle ofEmergency Management

• A Good Fit For Public-Private Animal Response Teams, as Common Training Ensures People-First Focus

•Utilizes Available Subject Matter Expertise in Leadership

More Information: www.ctsart.orgMake Contact at: ctsart@ctvet.orgMore Information: www.ctsart.orgMake Contact at: ctsart@ctvet.org

Helping People By Helping With Their Animals