Preparedness
1st Rule: YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST! do not put yourself in danger.
You cannot help others if you you get hurt, and if you need rescue it will put others in danger and divert precious resources to your needs.
2nd Rule: Work with trained disaster teams and DO NOT SELF-DEPLOY
These guidelines are ONLY if you are on-location when disaster strikes and there are no other options.
Quick Links
Planning Ahead The best disaster assistance comes from planning and preparation before it is needed.
Know the Basics and have some Tools
Essential Training
Recommended Training
FEMA Animals in disaster: Community Planning
Essential Training/Certification for Veterinarians
AVMA Disaster Veterinary First Responder Certification
Helpful USDA-APHIS NVAPs
Module 10: Personal Protective Equipment for Veterinarians
Module 18: Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease
Module 19: Animal Health Emergency Response
Before any crisis strikes, know who, what and where the local wildlife rescue organizations, wildlife agencies, law enforcement and fire/medical first-responders are. Have those contacts in your device and on paper. If you are in a remote location, know your options before you go. Find out if the locale has a disaster plan.