Least Resistance Training Concepts (LRTC) Volunteers Training for Emergencies

LRTC Emergency Response Team TECHNICAL INFORMATION Developing an Effective Regional Large Animal Evacuation Program Part Four CERT volunteers practicing basic horse handling techniques.   Organizing Effective Evacuation Programs This feature is a continuation of Part Three. When organizing a community or regional emergency response team it is usually best to identify needs, priorities and opportunities. These elements are discussed below. 1. Needs Common examples of identified needs include: What kinds of emergencies are reasonably likely to occur? Can key trouble areas be identified (flood plains, fire prone areas, etc?) What livestock populations are present that would likely require assistance? What are local agency limitations / what additional resources would likely be needed to provide for the safety of livestock populations? What practical "peer to peer" resources are available. Where can livestock populations be safely sheltered if relocated? What resources are needed for relocated livestock / how to obtain? What human resources are needed to manage large animal shelters? 2. Priorities Common examples of identified priorities include: Sufficient credible volunteers to fill out large animal responses. Note 1 Sufficient equipment to effectively respond to emergencies involving large animals. Note 1 Appropriate animal handling / containment equipment. Training for volunteers (animal handling and operating with emergency agencies.) Personal protective gear. Communications equipment. Sheltering supplies and equipment. Note 1: With volunteer responders one cannot count on everyone's availability at all times. A reasonable assessment must be made to determine turnout potential. Sufficient additional volunteers and assets should be recruited in order to be able to maintain a reasonably consistent response contingent. Furthermore, those recruits must be sufficiently trained. 3. Opportunities Local agencies and other response groups may have some excess equipment that can be turned over to a newly organizing emergency response team. In other cases, certain types of material donations may resonate with potential donors. These items may not be highest on the priority list, but if they are identified needs, they should be acted upon. Additionally, while some equipment and supplies might be donated to the new team, other equipment should be identified that could be loaned by other entities for use during the team's emergency operations such as corral panels, stock tanks, etc. Common examples of opportunities include: Personal protective equipment. Horse handling equipment. Serviceable rolling stock (stock trailers, flat bed trailers to carry panels, etc.) Communications gear. Opportunities to train with established units / public agencies. Sheltering supplies and equipment Continue to Coordinating with State and Local Agencies Return to Previous Page Return to Page One Go to Index of Topics Return to LRTC Emergency Training & Info Page © 2017 Least Resistance Training Concepts. All rights reserved. Permission to use content and images for non-commercial purposes.