WC CERT Animal Response

WC CERT Animal Response
Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Response Instructors Joan McClure Erica Iwinski Amanda Feher

WHY ANIMALS? – IT’S THE LAW!
October 6, 2006 President Bush signed into Law the: Pets Evacuation and Transportation Act “PETs Act” This REQUIRES local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in case of a disaster Offices that fail to do so will not qualify for grants from FEMA Leaving pets behind is no longer the only solution

Lessons Learned – Hurricane Katrina
During Hurricane Katrina animals were NOT allowed to be evacuated with their owners When asked to choose between abandoning their pets or their own personal safety, many pet owners chose to risk their lives In turn this put rescuers in danger as they returned over and over as conditions worsened attempting to change pet owners minds Many people who initially evacuated without their animals attempted to return- to take care/rescue them, creating secondary disasters

Lessons Learned – Continued
44% of Katrina residents who had means to evacuate, but chose not to, did so because they did not want to leave without their pets. Of the 1836 people who died, more than 80% told neighbors or family that they were staying behind for their pets as they were not allowed to evacuate with them Abandoned, starving, stressed animals caused many problems - disease and attacking workers among them Taking in the Lessons Learned, the PETs ACT was drafted, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Bill (349-24) and President Bush signed it into Law Estimated that 600,000 pets were killed or left without shelter as a result of Katrina. Rescue organizations reached about 10,000-15,000- of that only 15-20% were able to reunite with their owners

EVACUATIONS Before picture is of people evacuating during Katrina; After picture is from Sandy, showing a much calmer and earlier evacuation

Additional Information:
During Super Storm Sandy soldiers reported quicker, more orderly evacuations when owners and animals went together Animals are members of the family to most owners Animals are calming and can help people heal quicker People who lose everything, homes, jobs – pets are a needed comfort In Walnut Creek, 6.7 out of every 10 homes have an animal

Walnut Creek CERT Response to Animals
Processes and procedures established to follow which allow CERTs to safely encounter, handle, transport, communicate information and care for animals

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Staging
Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 Walnut Creek CERT Animal Staging Walnut Creek CERT Animal Staging (WC/CAS) Temporary holding areas for animals brought in by CERT SAR teams within each CERT Staging Location Provide care until the animal is transported to an emergency animal shelter during a disaster Give a brief description of what WC/CAS is and does Mission Statement During a disaster, as CERT volunteers, we provide temporary care for animals until they can be transported to an emergency animal shelter. Animals are brought in to us by fellow CERT members responding to disaster events. This effort adheres to the PETs Act which requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in case of a disaster. Outreach To ensure the safety of CERT members in the field, WC/CAS Leadership teaches a module section as a part of the Walnut Creek CERT Basic Training and offers Continuing Education Courses that train CERT members on how to respond safely and appropriately when encountering animals during a disaster.

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response
Spring/Summer 2014 Module Purpose The purpose of this module is to ensure that CERT members can respond safely and appropriately during emergency events that involve animals Reminder: CERT #1 priority is the human victims Stress that the class will not make them animal handling experts, but is more focused on what they can do to remain safe when encountering animals. Remind them that their primary duty is to assist the human victims.

Spring/Summer 2014 What You Will Learn CERT Responder Safety When Dealing With Animals and Knowledge and Skills Needed for CERT Functions That May Involve Animals (focus in this class is on Dogs and Cats) WC CERT Animal Response Procedures Sources for Additional Training and Information Note: Presentation assumes you have completed your size up before entering the home 9

Spring/Summer 2014 Encountering an Unknown Animal 10

Spring/Summer 2014 Encountering an Unknown Animal Do not show fear Maintain a relaxed posture Control environment if possible Avoid direct eye contact Do not let an animal block your escape Size up the situation, how is the animal behaving? Remember to look for signs of animals before entering a building or yard to complete search and rescue activities. 11

Spring/Summer 2014 Approaching an Unknown Animal If we have animals in the class – bring one forward to use as an example for this part of the module. 12

Spring/Summer 2014 Approaching an Unknown Animal Try gaining their confidence See if you are able to contain the animal Consider size of your team, time available Know your limitations Approach with your body turned sideways Do not reach out to the animal, let them come to you tap on a food can, or use treats if available Best action to take is to try and coax the dog to come to you. Softly talking or even ‘baby talk’ might encourage a dog to calm down and come to you. 13

Spring/Summer 2014 Animal Handling You have gloves in your pack…make sure you are wearing them! 14

Spring/Summer 2014 Animal Handling (cont’d) For non-aggressive animals: Avoid prolonged direct eye contact Always use a soft, calm voice Do not loom over an animal or grab by the collar Use a slip leash to control a dog, use a towel or pillow case to pickup a cat Always wear your gloves Use as little restraint as needed Note: Cats become defensive easily and may be frightened by unexpected stimuli Show approach with Demo Dog, how to put on a slip lead and how to walk with a slip lead.

Spring/Summer 2014 Animal Handling (cont’d) For frightened animals: Seek assistance unless you are experienced Don’t approach unless others can assist you Move slowly, try to get the animal to come to you Aggressive animals: Do not approach, back away slowly Notify your CERT supervisor Again, stress their (the CERT Team) safety must come first – if a dog is showing any fear or aggression (can refer to ASPCA handout) they should back away and move on, making a note on the Field Team Message form (which we’ll show later in the module), as well as letting their team lead know what is going on. Let the team know not to spend more than 45 seconds trying to coax or even put a slip lead on a dog – remind them again that their primary focus is the human victims that require their assistance.

Spring/Summer 2014 Transporting Animals 17

Spring/Summer 2014 Transporting Animals Make sure crates are adequate size Allow only one animal per crate Exception in case of mother and babies Control climate within vehicle Keeping any animals in stationary vehicles in hot weather can result in death Cats should always be in a carrier Dogs can be tethered if not in a crate, do not use slip leads to secure the animal

Spring/Summer 2014 Injuries Caused by Animals Infected cat bite wound This is a picture of a cat bite a few days after the bite occurred. As there was no blood initially, the person did not take any precautions after the bite and an infection ensued. 19

Spring/Summer 2014 If an Animal Attacks In the event of any animal attack, report in to your CERT supervisor If facing an aggressive dog, try basic commands, such as sit, stay or down If possible, put an object or distance between yourself and dog Back away; do not run away If you fall, curl up and cover your head Do not scream or yell Basic Commands – Say in a firm, strong voice (do not yell out) : Stay, Stop, Sit, Leave It or Down….. Ask the class – “what’s one object you may have on hand that you can use as a barrier between you and a dog that may attack?”….. Answer: A CERT backpack. 20

Spring/Summer 2014 Treatment for Injuries Caused by Animals Wash any animal scratch, bite or injury immediately with soap and water Administer first aid as appropriate Seek immediate attention for any bite Report all injuries to your CERT supervisor immediately If water or soap are unavailable, try using a non alcoholic sterilizing gel or spray. Heat from friction (like rubbing your hands together) will also help against infection – however the best action to take is cleansing the wound. Take all bites seriously, no matter how minor. Should an animal have rabies and transfers the disease to you, if not taken care of immediately, by the time any symptoms may show in you it’s already too late. 21

Spring/Summer 2014 Cats Approaching a Cat Picking up a Cat Holding a Cat Using a Towel or Pillow Case Used stuffed animal to show how to use a towel or pillow case; and how to safely pickup and hold a cat

Spring/Summer 2014 Crating Make sure you are controlling the paws Ease into crate As this picture shows a person doing this on their own, remind the class that they are working in pairs or groups and one person should be handling the cat while another is working the crate.

Spring/Summer 2014 Hands on – Class Demo “Harry Potter” Daniel Radcliffe walking dogs 24

10 minutes: Hands On - Dogs
Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 10 minutes: Hands On - Dogs Some Practice Time Approaching a Dog Putting on Slip Lead Walking with a Slip lead Position of Hands Tightness Depending upon the number of live dogs – break out teams into small groups to practice approaching a dog, putting on a slip lead and walking with a slip lead. If uncomfortable working with a live dog, have them practice putting a slip lead on a stuffed animal. Make sure doors to the courtyard are closed.

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Procedures
Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 Walnut Creek CERT Animal Procedures CERT Communication and Procedures for Walnut Creek CERTs Communications – Field Message Form Animals Left Behind Tagging Transporting Note: As a rule of thumb, spend no more than 45 seconds attempting to secure an animal.

WC CERT Communications & Procedures
Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Communications & Procedures WC CERT Field Team Message Form Sample of what a full form looks like. In this part of the class we will only be concentrating on filling out the areas that involve animals.

Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Complete information on Field Team Message Form Items 6, 8 and 9 each have a box to list number of animals, dependent upon the situation Identity Bands in fanny packs or field buckets Identity Band (EJ Band) as well as Slip Leads and pillow cases will be a part of each kit – Bands may be packed with Triage Tags If victim has an animal emergency kit readily available, bring it in with animal Show example of what is in the “Go Buckets”

WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures
Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Field Team Message Form – Area for Animal Information # # # This slide shows Items 6, 8 and 9 which all have spots to indicate animals. # #

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Remember, your safety comes first! Animal Left Behind It’s not safe The animal cannot easily be caught (remember 45 second rule) It’s too large or unruly to transport There is a non injured adult in the home who can care for the animal Neighbor will care for animal Note: If at all possible, the best action is to be able to leave an animal with a non-injured adult in the home or a neighbor

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Action to take when animal left behind On Field Team Message Form, Items 9-11 Item 9: Victims left at the site (must be filled out) Enter # of animals left behind Item 10: Actions Taken (if time to document) Notate if water/food left out for animal Item 11: Details (if time to document) List type of animal(s), why left behind Note, if animal left with neighbor, write down neighbor’s name, contact number

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Animal Left Behind

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Animal Left Behind Item 9: List Number of Animals 2

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Animal Left Behind Item 9: List Number of Animals Item 10: Notate if food or water left out 2 Left bowl of water

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Animal Left Behind Item 9: List Number of Animals Item 10: Notate if food or water left out Item 11: Notate type of animal, why left behind, or if left with a neighbor, their name/contact number 2 Left bowl of water Unable to secure 2 cats, ran off and hid

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Animals being transported SAR Action to take when Tagging for Transport On Field Team Message Form, Items 6-8 Item 6: Send CmdPost vehicle(s) for (must be filled out) Enter # of animals to be transported Item 7: Details (if time to document) Animal secured, ready for transport (or not); notate equipment needs if any (crate, leashes, evac sacs) Item 8: Neighbors will transport to CP (must be filled out) Enter # of animals being transported This slide describes process when animals will be brought in to the Command Post.

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Animals being transported Item 6 or Item 8: List Number of Animals Item 7: Notate if crates needed 1 Need 1 Large dog crate

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Animals being transported SAR Action to take when Tagging for Transport – continued Write house address on Address Band, if possible have a neighbor write or verify the address Leave band(s) with Triage Tag(s) Extraction Action to take when Tagging for Transport Safely Secure Animal Place Band around neck of animal, if unable to place around neck, attach to carrier

Walnut Creek CERT Animal Response Spring/Summer 2014 WC CERT Animal Communications & Procedures Animal Transportation Transport animal via Leash, Pillow Case or Crate Do not transport unsecured animals Animal is transported to the Animal Staging Area by: SAR Transport Team after human victim is left at medical or SAR Transport Team transfers animal to Animal Transporter who will be stationed at Medical Ops (again after human victim is taken care of) who will bring animal over from Medical to Animal Staging Remember the number one priority of a Search and Rescue team in a victim transport scenario is transporting the victim to Medical Ops

Spring/Summer 2014 15 minutes: Hands on – Filling out Animal information on Field Team Message Form Practice Entering Animal Information – scenarios will be read out. Scenarios take place after the human victim has been treated/checked Remind the group we will only be filling out the information as it pertains to animals. Any other information to be filled out will be covered in the radio class.

Spring/Summer 2014 Scenario One 32-year old woman with broken leg, friendly dog at her side, cat in room when you first arrive but runs and hides somewhere in house and can’t be found - No other adult in home or neighbor available to take animals SAR Action, what would you do? Extraction Action, what would you do? Transport Action, what would you do?

Spring/Summer 2014 Scenario One 32-year old woman injured, friendly dog at her side, cat in room when you first arrive but runs and hides somewhere in house and can’t be found - No other adult in home or neighbor available to take animals SAR Action Call in animal information for the field team message form, one dog to bring in, one cat being left behind. Place address on identity band for dog, leave band with triage tag Extraction Action Safely secure dog with slip lead, leash or crate. Place identity band around neck of dog or if unable to place around neck, secure band to crate Transport Action Secure animal in vehicle, after victim has been secured. Bring both victim and animal to Medical Ops – transfer victim to Med Ops and if Animal Transporter is at Med Ops release animal to them or bring animal to Animal Staging area once you receive the victim’s medical number

Spring/Summer 2014 Scenario One One animal coming in, one animal left behind 1 1 Small dog coming in with victim Remind the group we will only be filling out the information as it pertains to animals. Any other information to be filled out will be covered in the radio class. 1 Cat ran off and hid, could not locate within set timeframe

Spring/Summer 2014 Scenario Two Unconscious male, friendly cat rubbing on your legs – other adults in home or neighbor not injured and consented to care for cat SAR Action, what would you do? Extraction Action, what would you do? Transport Action, what would you do?

Spring/Summer 2014 Scenario Two Unconscious male, friendly cat rubbing on your legs – other adults in home or neighbor not injured and will care for cat SAR Action Verify if uninjured adult will care for the cat. Complete animal information on the field team message as animal left behind notating under details that the uninjured adult will be caretaker for the cat – include person’s name in details area Extraction Action Nothing to do Transport Action

Spring/Summer 2014 Scenario Two Unconscious male, friendly cat, uninjured adult will to care for cat 1 Unconscious male, no visible injuries Remind the group we will only be filling out the information as it pertains to animals. Any other information to be filled out will be covered in the radio class. 1 Neighbor Brian Smith at 255 Willow will care for cat

Spring/Summer 2014 Sources for additional information and training CERT Animal Response I and II Training Hosted by Concord CERT, Animal Response ASPCA Online Webinars Volunteer at a local animal shelter Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Contra Costa Animal Services CART – Contra Costa County Animal Response Team

Spring/Summer 2014 Questions??

WC CERT Animal Response

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