Disaster Planning Information
- County Animal Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Guide
- Dead Animal Haulers, Renderers, and Collection Centers
- Disaster Planning and Information Links
- Disaster Volunteer Liability Information
- Equine Rescue Slings
- Pets, Livestock and Disaster Planning
- More Resources
County Animal Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Guide
Table of Contents – AHFSS Disaster Preparedness and Response
Planning Guide
(January 1999)
The complete guide is available for download.
- The complete guide in PDF format (PDF 116 KB)
- The complete guide in Microsoft Word format (DOC 268 KB)
I. Introduction: Why Plan for Animal Issues During a Disaster?
- Refusal to Evacuate and Early Return to Unsafe Areas
- Public Health and Safety Risks Caused by Animals at Large
- Public Health and Safety Risks Caused by Animal Carcasses
- Economic Considerations
- Public Relations Considerations
- Control of Self Responders and Misuse of Donations
II. How to Use this Guide
III. The County’s Role
- Integrating an Animal Plan into Your Operational Area (OA) Emergency Response Plan
- The Role of Counties in the California Animal Response in Emergency System (CARES)
IV. Definition of "Animal" R
V. Getting Started: Forming a Planning Committee
- Government Agencies
- Voluntary Organizations
- Industry Groups
VI. Local Issues to Consider in Developing Your Plan
- Types of Disasters Likely in Your Area
- Animal Population in Your Area
- Location of Animal Populations in Your Area
- Location of Animal Resources in Your Area
- Liability Issues
VII. Preparation
- Identifying a County Animal Coordinator
- Identification of Resources
- Organization of Response Activities
- Practice Your Response Plan
- Volunteer Training
IX. Recovery
XIII. Acronyms
Appendix A: Animal Confinement and Shelter Facility Forms
- Animal Care and Holding/Boarding Survey
- Small Animal Intake FormOwned Animals with Owner
- Small Animal Intake Form- Rescued/Found/Stray
- Large Animal Intake Form
- Sample Release Form
Appendix B: Animal Food Resources
- County Animal Food Resource Checklist
- County Animal Food Survey
- County Animal Food Resource List
Appendix C: Supplies
- County Animal Supplies Survey
- County Animal Supply Resource List
Appendix D: Transportation Resources
- County Animal Food Resource Checklist
- County Animal Food Survey
- County Animal Food Resource List
Appendix E: Volunteer Resources
- Survey of Groups with Registered Disaster Service Workers
- County Veterinary Emergency Response Personnel Application
- County Animal Care Volunteer Emergency Response Personnel Application
These tri-fold brochures can be downloaded. The PDF brochures cannot be altered, but the Word Perfect brochures can be adjusted to fit your needs. you may need to adjust the margins or spacing on the Word Perfect brochures to format them for your printer.
Dead Animal Haulers, Renderers, and Collection Centers
The following is a list of the licensed dead animals haulers, renderers, and collection centers who have agreed to have their contact information posted on the CDFA website as a service to local groups involved in animal disaster response planning. This list is not complete; please consult local listings for additional related businesses in your area.
Dead Animal Haulers
- Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center 805–688–6510
- Alfred Kuck Livestock 707–762–7688
- B. A. Glenn 928–627–4772
- Central Valley Hide Inc. 323–266–4942
- CMSC Enterprises, Inc. 619–423–1453
- Crooks Disposal 619–443–0737
- D&D Disposal, Inc. 323–268–7050
- D.A.R. Contractors 619–390–8204 *Will pick up any 4–H or FFA project at cost – San Diego Co. only
- Devries Dead Stock Disposal 562–865–4264
- Dick’s Pick–Up Service 818–353–5550
- Dignified Dead Animal Disposal 805–523–1241
- Equine Ambulatory Service 949–661–8374
- Foster Poultry Farms 209–394–6850
- Gulley's Livestock Disposal 760–949–7957
- Janice Pementel 925–997–1387 (Pager 510–440–6915)
- JCS Livestock Disposal 805–588–3971
- K & H Services 714–366–0579
- Los Alamitos Race Course 714–820–2648
- Lost Horse 209–772–2842
- Moniz Tallow Company 209–678–0044
- R. G. Specialized Transport 805–886–7804
- Robinson's Transport 858–349–1596
- Shayne's Custom Calves 209–993–3131
- Shilo's 323–819–7258
- Sisk Recycling Co., Inc. 209–667–1451
- Specifically Equine 805–688–2825
- TLC Animal Removal Services 562–843–4939
Rendering Plants
- American Biofuels LLC 818–893–1550
- Atlas Pumping Service 619–443–7867
- Ax–It International 714–730–1155
- Baker Commodities 323–268–2801
- Baker Commodities 559–846–9393
- Biodiesel Industries Inc. 805–683–8103
- Brawley Beef LLC 760–351–2700
- California Spray Dry Co. 209–948–0209
- Central Grease Co. 559–846–9607
- Clougherty Packing LLC 323–583–4621
- Coast Packing Company 323–277–7700
- Co–West Commodities 909–383–8341
- Darling International 559–268–5325
- Darling International 415–647–4890
- Darling International 323–583–6311
- Darling International 209–634–3093
- Foster Poultry Farms 209–394–6850
- Hanford Commodities LLC 559–582–9086
- Imperial Western Products 760–398–0815
- Imperial Western Products 951–737–6017
- IMX Inc. 510–436–3085
- J. C.'s Grease Buyer 951–781–4557
- King Recycling 661–259–1478
- National Beef California 760–351–0522
- New Leaf Biofuel LLC 858–384–3373
- North State Rendering 530–343–6076
- Sacramento Rendering Co. 916–363–4821
- Salinas Tallow 831–422–6436
- San Jose Tallow 408–452–8777
- San Luis Tallow 800–621–9000
- Snow Commodities 209–522–7224
- Southwest Processors Inc. 323–269–9876
- West Coast Rendering (D & D Disposal) 323–261–4176
- Yokayo Biofuels Inc. 707–472–0900
Collection Centers
- All Valley Environmental Inc. 559–498–8378
- Ameriguard Maintenance 800–347–7876
- Baker Commodities 559–486–9393
- Barks Plumbing & AP Inc. 805–928–5823
- Central Valley Biofuels LLC 559–248–0100
- Clay's Septic & Jetting Inc. 805-929-5065
- Crown Grease Service 562–884–0931
- Dairyman's Collection Center 323–266–4942
- Darling International 858–566–8600
- D&D Disposal 323–268–7050
- Got Grease 415–240–7997
- Imperial Western Products 760–398–0815
- North State Rendering 530–343–6076
- One More Time Inc. 800624–5504
- Petaluma By–Products 707–763–9181
- Restaurant Technologies Inc. 562–926–9682
- Restaurant Technologies Inc. 916–388–9395
- SFPUC 415–695–7366
- Sisk Recycling Co., Inc. 209–667–1451
- Sisk Recycling Co., Inc. 209–667–7457
- SMC Grease Specialist 951–788–6042
- Stiles Collection 909–390–9828
- Tradelink International Corp. 858–456–1102
- Vons Companies 623–869–3571
- W & H Grease Buyers Inc. 805–672–0188
- Yokayo Biofuels Inc. 707–472–0900
Disaster Planning and Information Links
Government Agencies
- Emergency Animal Evacuation Centers 10/23/07, courtesy of CNN
-
Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA)
– General information about FEMA and Emergency Management Activities. -
Animals and
Emergencies
– Disaster preparedness and planning for animals in emergencies and links to other sites. - Animals in Disasters Training Course: Awareness and Preparedness
-
Animals in
Disasters Training Course: Community Planning
– Information and course materials for the independent study Animals in Disasters training courses. Course materials for the two courses can be downloaded, and a final exam may be completed online. -
National Weather Service
(NWS)
– Weather information and warnings for the United States. -
State of California -
Governors Office of Emergency Services (OES)
– Information on OES activities, state disaster planning, and types of emergencies. Includes links to mapping resources, related agencies, and weather reports. The California Specialized Training Institute can also be accessed through this site. CSTI provides training in SEMS and other emergency response activities. -
California Department of Fish and
Game (CDFG)
– CDFG programs and information about oil spill response activities. -
University
of California, Davis Vet School
– Veterinary Medicine Cooperative Extension program through UC Davis. All or part of the DANR Guide to Disaster Preparedness Resources can be downloaded from this site.
Non-Profit Organizations
-
American Humane
Association
– Disaster relief and preparedness information. -
American Red Cross
General information about disaster relief efforts worldwide.
- Disaster Preparedness For Pets
- Disaster Safety
-
American Veterinary Medical
Association
– Information about veterinary activities throughout the United States. Includes links to state Veterinary Medical Associations. -
-
Disaster Relief
Activities
– Includes an order form for the AVMA Disaster Planning Guide.
-
Disaster Relief
Activities
-
California Veterinary Medical
Association (CVMA)
– CVMA disaster response programs. Includes a directory of CVMA member veterinarians. -
Cat Fanciers
Association
– Disaster relief efforts of the Cat Fanciers Association and disaster preparedness. -
Disaster Relief
– Information on disasters worldwide. Includes disaster preparedness information for pets. - Humane Society of the United States
-
UC Davis
Veterinary Emergency Response Team
– Information about the team's activities and policies
Includes a section on disaster relief. - The Horse Review
Links to disaster preparedness sites and information for horse and pet owners.
- International Fund for Animals
- Noah's Wish
- EvacuateMyPet.com – sponsored by Community Animal Response and Evacuation; includes information on animal/pet disaster preparedness.
-
Prepare Now- Disaster
Preparedness information in multiple languages. Includes
information on Service Animals and First Aid for pets.
Includes information on their Emergency Relief Team. -
United Animal Nations
– Information about their Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS).
Disaster Volunteer Liability Information
Prepared by the California Department of Food and Agriculture
What is a Registered Disaster Service Worker?
A Registered Disaster Service Worker provides disaster service assistance during an emergency. They can be registered with a disaster council approved by the California Emergency Council, or anyone ordered to perform services during an emergency by a person or body with that authority. All public employees are Disaster Service Workers when ordered to assist during disasters by their superiors. Members of volunteer fire departments are not considered Disaster Service Workers. (Title 19, CCR, §2570.2(a))
Registered Disaster Service Workers are assigned to one of the following classifications: Animal Rescue, Care, and Shelter; Communications; Community Emergency Response Team Member; Finance and Administrative Staff; Human Services; Fire; Laborer; Law Enforcement; Logistics; Medical and Environmental Health; Safety Assessment Inspector; Search and Rescue; or Utilities. (Title 19, CCR, §2572.1)
A Registered Disaster Service Worker must either work under the authorization of a "duly constituted superior in the emergency organization" or under the supervision and direction of the American Red Cross. (Title 19, CCR, §2572.2)
What is a Registered Disaster Service Worker?
Veterinarians, Veterinary Support Staff, and Animal Handlers who provide skills in the rescue, clinical treatment, and transportation of all animals are included in this category. (Title 19, CCR, §2572.1(a))
What is a Disaster Council?
A disaster council is a local public agency which can register and direct the activites of disaster service workers at the county or city level. The disaster council must be accredited with the State of California. The disaster council acts as an instrument of the state with regard to disaster services. (Title 19, CCR, §2570.2(d))
Can a volunteer be sued for actions occuring while they are helping during a disaster?
Registered Disaster Service Workers and volunteers for non-profit organizations and government cannot be held liable for their actions during a disaster while acting within the scope of their responsibilities. However, they are not protected if their actions were "willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer." They are also not covered if they are operating a vehicle that causes damage.(Title 42, U.S.C.A.§14501-5)
What happens if a volunteer is injured during a disaster?
Is a volunteer’s personal property covered for damages?Registered Disaster Service Workers are covered under Workers’ Compensation if they are injured during the disaster. Workers’ Compensation covers all medical care required at no cost to the injured person. If the injury disables the Disaster Service Worker for more than three days, they can receive disability benefits. (From "Information for the Disaster Service Worker about Workers’ Compensation Benefits" from the State of California Office of Emergency Services)
The state does not cover personal property of Disaster Service Workers. A volunteer’s vehicle should be covered under the individual’s collision and comprehensive insurance. Collision insurance covers contact with other vehicles or objects hit by the vehicle. Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by objects hitting the vehicle. (For example, if a car hits a house, it is covered under collision insurance. If a house hits a car, it is covered under comprehensive insurance.) Trailers must be insured separately from the vehicle. Auto insurance will only cover the trailer if it disconnects from the vehicle and hits something.
Other property may be covered under homeowners or business insurance. Some policies only cover a certain amount when the item is "off property." Car insurance may also cover a portion of items damaged in the vehicle. It is best to have the Disaster Service Workers contact their own insurance company to verify coverage if they will be using their personal property during a disaster.
Animals being transported during a disaster are not covered by the state. They may be covered under vehicle insurance, but the Disaster Service Worker should contact their insurance company. (Personal communication with Pam Wagner, OES)
Can someone injured in a shelter sue the organization running the shelter?
No. The law states that "There shall be no liability on the part of one...who maintains any building or premises which have been designated as a shelter...or as other necessary facilities for mitigating the effects of a...emergency, for any injuries ... sustained by any person ... when such person has entered or gone upon or into said building or premises for the purpose of seeking refuge, treatment, care or assistance therein. (CA Civil Code §1714.5)"
Equine Rescue Slings
Equine slings have been successfully used to rescue horses in various situations. They are useful tools and are often the focus of media attention. It is important to understand that slings should be used only as a last resort when a ground rescue is not possible. Use of rescue slings puts rescuers, helicopter pilots, their crew, and the animal at risk.
Professionally designed harnesses were developed for rescue operations where extensive lifting is required. Individuals must be trained to use the slings and the rescue group must have an agreement with a helicopter company for necessary air support. At least four trained personnel are required to use the sling. Most groups that have horse slings will provide their own trained personnel to assist during a rescue. Successful rescue operations utilizing a sling require the cooperation of veterinary personnel, the air support team, and personnel trained in the sling operation.
Equipment used in ground rescues includes the Collins Rescue Mat, the rescue strap, hobbles, and a rescue surcingle (a strap that goes around the horse's body). A Collins Large Animal Rescue strap can be used to assist a horse up an embankment or to move a horse for a short distance to a rescue mat. Once on the rescue mat the horse can be dragged (on the mat) for a considerable distance. The rescue strap is especially useful when dealing with a recumbant horse in a confined space. A rescue surcingle can also be used to assist a horse up a hill. Lack of training on proper use of appropriate equipment or the use of equipment not designed for these purposes (eg. cargo nets) can put personal and animal lives at great risk. Preparation and training are essential for successful use of rescue slings. Training courses and workshops exist for people interested in learning how to use slings. The courses may also include information on organizing interested individuals into a group.
Groups that may have Horse Slings available
-
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Rancho Santa Fe (858) 756–4117
– Have 1 Liftex sling. Groups interested in using the sling must provide their own trained volunteers. They request the interested groups sign a liability waiver and pay for any damages. -
Los Angeles City Dept. Of Animal Regulation
Los Angeles (213) 893–8453 (info) (818) 756–9323 (24hr requests)
– Have Anderson slings in all four sizes, hobbles, and a surcingle. Their teams train monthly. They may respond outside the city of Los Angeles with approval. They also have full communications support with a satellite. -
Santa Barbara Humane Society
Santa Barbara (805) 687–1328
– Have a Liftex Sling and access to an Anderson sling. They have 20 individuals trained in the use of a sling. Tim Collins conducts training courses in the use of rescue slings -
San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
San Diego (619) 299–0871
– Have 1 Anderson Sling, 2 Mud Slings, and 1 Dog sling. 60 individuals are trained. They normally stay in San Diego, but would be willing to respond to other areas (however, they may ask for financial assistance outside San Diego County). San Diego County Animal Control arranges for air support. -
UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Davis (530) 752–0290
– Has an Anderson Sling. They perform rescues locally if the team is available. Fees must cover the helicopter and the unit
VENDORS
The two brands of vertical lifting harnesses are the Liftex Rescue sling (approx. $1500) and the Anderson sling ($3395 for the whole package). All equipment has various strengths and weaknesses, so groups interested in purchasing slings should select the equipment best suited for their needs.
-
Care for Disabled Animals
P. O. Box 53, Potter Valley, CA 95469
(707) 743–1300
– Manufactures the Anderson Sling in various sizes, as well as rescuer frames, small animal slings, and lifting hobbles. -
Liftex, Inc. (Dale Heppner)
www.liftex.com
204 Railroad Dr., North Hampton Industrial Park, Ivyland, PA 18974
(215) 957–0810
– Manufactures the Liftex Sling
More Resources
- Get Ready Now, USDHS, (PDF 346 KB)
- Disaster Preparedness Brochures for Pets and Livestock
Contact us for more information:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Animal Health and Food Safety Services
Emergency Preparedness Support Unit
1220 N Street, Room A-161
Sacramento, California 95814
Telephone: (916) 651-0399
Fax: (916) 651-7299
or send an email to: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov