Welcome to the North Olympic Peninsula

ANIMAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS WEBSITE

We are in the process of building a coordinated Animal Disaster Preparedness Plan for Clallam and Jefferson Counties.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

For the first time in Clallam County, animals in disaster were fully represented in the emergency operations center during a table top disaster drill.  This disaster scenario simulated a long, severe winter storm here in the county.  During the simulation, many situations arose that required some form of animal response.  I must say that throughout the drill, as well as any other emergency preparation discussion I have attended, the animal response was well supported and well received by all other agencies.  It seems the need for an organized animal response has been well recognized and encouraged.  Personally, I learned a lot and have received offers to assist us from other emergency planners within the county, and I am very encouraged.

In terms of creating an organizational structure that will provide liability protection for volunteers and other involved parties, we are looking into getting our people (YOU) registered as Disaster Workers.  This would allow us to respond, as well as to train, with some assurance of personal protection.  This may sound like a small issue to some but is has been our main stumbling block to organization.  I know many people would like to begin with something exciting like animal handling, and in fact, Critterhaven approached me at the recent HSUS training to offer their facility and many species of animals for training purposes.  But imagine the liability that could be entailed should anyone become accidentally injured.  The property owner would be at risk, as would the injured party if insufficient coverage were available.  I am cautiously optimistic that we will resolve this issue soon.  I'll keep you posted.

Mike Tyler
Clallam County Animal Emergency Coordinator

PLAN - PREPARE - PRACTICE

These are the keys to emergency preparedness:

1. Have a written plan posted in your home that everyone has read and participated in writing. A plan in your head is not a plan.
2. Put together a disaster kit that includes items you need and is easily accessible. The time for assembling a kit is NOT in a disaster.
3. Have drills that all family members participate in and know their roles. Don't expect your plan to work in an actual disaster if you haven't actually put it into action. This is a great way to tune your plan.

Please check out what we've already added and then be sure to stop back often to see the new information we're adding daily!