Purpose

The purpose of this guideline is to provide clear guidance for operations managed by North Valley Animal Disaster Group (NVADG). It identifies the standard operating guidelines for evacuating and sheltering animals in a disaster situation, in addition to normal daily operations.

NVADG Mission Statement

"Working with emergency services to educate the public about disaster preparedness, and assist in the sheltering and evacuation of animals during a disaster."

To work jointly with public and private agencies and organizations in the North Valley to promote the safety and well-being of all domestic animals and farm animals, including wildlife, affected by a disaster with emergency temporary sheltering, evacuation, medical care, identification for reuniting animals with their owners or adopting into good, suitable permanent homes. This will be accomplished by utilizing volunteers who have completed the disaster preparedness training provided by the NVADG, educating governmental and non-governmental agencies and animal owners about the importance of disaster preparedness, and scheduling exercises and disaster drills.

Table of Contents

Purpose

NVADG Mission Statement

SECTION 1.  NVADG Organization Structure

      Organization Structure

            Appointed Positions

            Statement of Volunteer Responsibilities

SECTION 2.  NVADG Disaster Response Policy

SECTION 3.  ICS Personnel and Duties

SECTION 4.  NVADG Training Requirements

SECTION 5.  Incident Response Operational Guidelines

Duty Officer Guideline

Evacuation Guidelines

Animal Shelter Guidelines

Shelter Set Up and Operations

Radio Guidelines

Media Response Guidelines

SECTION 6.  Mutual Aid

SECTION 7.  Liability

SECTION 8.  NVADG Forms

SECTION 9.  Community Outreach

SECTION 10.  Miscellaneous Notes

 

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SECTION 1

NVADG Organization Structure

NVADG Organization Structure

Appointed Positions

Note: The following positions are not ICS positions to be filled during an incident. Personnel fulfilling these positions will not necessarily be assigned similar positions during an actual incident.

Statement of Volunteer Responsibilities

To be a volunteer in NVADG means that volunteers agree to become a part of a team with very serious responsibilities.

These responsibilities include:

Failure to comply with the NVADG Volunteer Contract rules can result in disciplinary action or forfeiture of volunteer ID card and termination of volunteer status in NVADG.

The Board of Directors may review any complaint or grievance.

SECTION 2

As of September 14, 2004, North Valley Animal Disaster Group is affiliated with Butte County Public Health Department by resolution no. 04-173 of the Butte County Board of Supervisors. When NVADG services are requested by Butte County Public Health Department, activation will occur according to the policy described below.

Disaster Activation Policy

 When the volunteer services of the North Valley Animal Disaster Group are utilized by Butte County Public Health Department Animal Control and they shall be authorized under the following conditions, but not limited to: 

The request and authorization to respond to an emergency shall be made to NVADG through the Butte County Fire/CDF Emergency Command Center (ECC) upon approval of one of the following: 

Once authorization from Butte County Department of Public Health has been obtained, the ECC contacts the Duty Officer by telephone (530 895-0000) and makes the activation request. If the Duty Officer is not available, the ECC follows the "Call Out List" until an NVADG volunteer is reached.  

The Duty Officer determines what action is appropriate for the incident. The call may be forwarded to the appropriate agency (i.e. Animal Control, Fish and Game) if it falls outside the usual realm of NVADG responsibility.  Prior to responding to an activation request, even if it is pre-authorized by the Department of Public Health, make sure that it is not a situation that falls under the jurisdiction and responsibility of local animal control agencies in Butte County during normal operating hours. The ERD contains a contact list of all Animal Control agencies in Butte County.

Note: We DO NOT do "rescues". Contact the local fire Department.

Calls from individuals:  

Accidents and emergencies involving injured animals:  
This is not a function of our Mission Statement. NVADG cannot accept the physical and financial liability of handling injured animals. Call Animal Control, and if they cannot respond, then a Butte County Sheriff Officer, Firefighter or CHP Officer is authorized to transport the animal to the Animal Emergency Clinic. Butte County Animal Control or Chico Animal Control will authorize $100 towards the care of the animal to "stabilize the animal and keep it out of pain."

In the case of a call that is handled by NVADG, the Duty Officer determines the appropriate response. It could be a simple (uninjured) animal incident, such as a single vehicle roll-over with a horse trailer that requires a volunteer to pick up a horse and deliver it home, or a large scale wildfire or flooding incident that requires evacuating and sheltering hundreds of animals over a long period of time.

The Duty Officer will refer to the Emergency Resource Directory (ERD) for the appropriate resource for each incident. The ERD contains personal contact information for NVADG volunteers, including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. It also contains volunteer profiles and training they have completed.

Other information included in the ERD:

All information contained in the ERD is private and confidential and is never to be divulged or used for any purpose other than official NVADG use.   The ERD binder and contents are the property of NVADG. Individuals who are issued an ERD must sign for it and return it to NVADG when no longer performing the duties, or serving in the office for which it was issued. Emergency Response Directories are issued to board members, elected officers, and Duty Officers.

Post Incident Analysis:   It is the policy of NVADG to conduct a Post Incident Analysis in a timely manner after each incident. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate any training/preparedness areas that need improvement and to recognize individuals that performed in an exemplary manner.

Photographs/Videos: While it is hoped to have a Historian/Photographer at each event/incident, all NVADG members are encouraged to bring a camera/recording device to all events and take pictures whenever possible.

SECTION 3

ICS Personnel and Duties

ICS Personnel and Duties 

Note: All Evacuation and Shelter personnel must pass a minimum background check which will be coordinated by the Butte County Human Resources Department at the request of Butte County Public Health Department, prior to working at any incident.   

Animal Rescue Group Supervisor

Animal Rescue Group Supervisor Assistant

Animal Volunteer Manager

Animal Assistant Information Officer

Animal Assistant Safety Officer

Animal Agency Representative

Animal Evacuation Leader

Animal Task Force Manager

Animal Evacuation Team

Single Resource Leader

Animal Evacuation Equipment Manager

Animal Shelter Leader

Veterinary Services Manager

Veterinarian

Veterinary Technician

Shelter Security Manager

Housing Manager

Animal Intake Specialist

Animal Intake Assistant

Data Entry Clerk

Historian/Recorder

Animal Transporter

Cage/Corral Assembler

Animal Feed and Supply Specialist

Animal Feed and Supply Attendant

Sanitation Specialist

Sanitation Assistant

Animal Exercise Specialist

Animal Exercise Assistant

Kennel Attendant

Telephone Operator

Errand Runner

Carpenters, Electricians, Telephone Installers, Plumbers

Equipment Inventory Manager

 SECTION 4

NVADG Training Requirements

Training Requirements

Basic Training

All NVADG volunteers who will work at an incident are required to complete "Basic Training" and pass a minimum background check which will be coordinated by the Butte County Human Resources Department at the request of Butte County Public Health Department. This is the bare minimum that is required by Butte County. Without this training, volunteers will not be covered by Emergency Services Office Workman's Compensation insurance while participating in a drill or actual incident, and volunteers will not be eligible for an ID badge, which is required to work in a disaster area or incident. 

Completion of Basic Training qualifies a volunteer to work in either the Shelter Group or Evacuation Group, but does not qualify a volunteer to work in the field during evacuations. See "vaccinations" below for pre-exposure rabies vaccination requirement of all Evacuation Task Force personnel.

The class designation "Awareness" represents the minimum capability of a responder who, in the course of his or her regular duties, could be called upon to respond to, or could be the first on the scene of an incident. Volunteers who are part of team at this level are generally not considered "experts".  They are "aware" of the procedures and possible hazards, but don't have the training and/or experience to work an incident without supervision.

Attendance:  It is recommended that to be eligible to work on the Evacuation team that a minimum 80% attendance record is maintained for all trainings. For the Shelter group, a minimum 60% record is recommended.

A CPR card or Basic First Aid training for humans is encouraged but not required.

Vaccinations: All Evacuation Team personnel MUST have completed the pre-exposure rabies vaccination series. No exceptions.  Butte County Public Health Department will provide the rabies vaccine at its cost. It is strongly recommended that NVADG volunteers have current tetanus and Hepatitis A&B vaccinations.

Liability Release:  All volunteers are required to sign a liability release before participating in any NVADG activities, in addition to the NVADG Volunteer Contract

Minor Volunteers:  All volunteers must be 18 years of age unless accompanied by an adult at all times. If a group of young people (4-H, Scouts, etc.) is utilized, the assignment must be given to the adult advisor/leader.

NVADG offers Basic Training classes several times per year.

Basic Training courses (may be taken in any order):

Intermediate Training

Intermediate Training prepares a volunteer for more specialized positions. The class designation "Operational" represents the capability of hazard recognition, equipment use, and techniques necessary to safely and effectively support and participate in an incident. This level can involve animal evacuations in the field during an incident. Some of the classes may be at the "Awareness" level.

Intermediate Training Courses

Other Intermediate Courses Offered:

Throughout the year, NVADG presents and arranges classes on a wide variety of topics to expand our volunteers' knowledge and skills.

Some of the classes that have been held include:

Equipment Trailer Towing Certificate

Upon successful completion of a proficiency exam in trailer towing skill and safety, a certificate will be granted by the Trailer Examiner.

 Advanced Training

Advanced Training prepares a member for ICS positions such as Task Force Leader, Group Supervisor, Duty Officer or Branch Director. See Chapter on ICS Personnel for required qualifications.

Advanced Training Courses

These classes are not normally offered to the general civilian population. However, we will make sure that all available classes are publicized to NVADG volunteers.

For information about these courses, contact the NVADG Training Coordinator

SECTION 5

Duty Officer Guidelines

Duty Officers are appointed by the Board of Directors.

Duty Officers must have the same training qualifications as an Evacuation or Shelter Leader.  Duty Officers normally serve for a period of one week at a time. It is required that Duty Officers have direct person to person contact before being relieved of the duty. The person accepting the duty will be the one to physically transfer the phone routing.

Duty Officers are required to maintain an ICS 214 form to record all activity during their operational period.

Processing Phone Calls

Activation Information:

NVADG Disaster Activation will be initiated by the NVADG Phone Tree.
 
1) The Duty Officer will be notified by the ECC as to the Incident Type, Name, Location, Radio Frequency and who NVADG will report to.
 
2)  The Duty Officer will designate a staging and/or shelter area for the NVADG (usually separate from the Fire Dept) and then initiate the Phone Tree.  See Phone Tree for details.

Duty Officer Calls:  

During the initial stages of an incident, the Duty Officer will act as Liaison to the Evacuation Branch Director, or whomever we have been assigned to, until an Animal Rescue Group Supervisor is appointed. One person shall act as Liaison to the IC (Incident Commander) or whomever we have been assigned to. The Liaison's job is to communicate to the IC the capabilities of the team and to communicate the needs of the IC to the NVADG team. The liaison may also be the Duty Officer and/or the Animal Rescue Group Supervisor.

Evacuation Guidelines

NVADG Evacuation Group usually works under the direct supervision of Butte County Sheriff Office (Evacuation Branch) for evacuations during an incident.

The Animal Evacuation Leader is responsible for all animal evacuation operations, under the supervision of the Animal Rescue Group Supervisor. The Animal Rescue Group Supervisor forwards all requests for animal evacuation to the Animal Evacuation Leader. In some instances, the requests may be routed directly to the Animal Evacuation Leader.

Communications will be maintained between the Animal Rescue Group Supervisor and the Animal Evacuation Leader. When direct communication is not possible, communications will be via radio or telephone.

Animal Evacuation Team volunteers may be:

Animal Evacuation Task Forces and Single Resources will report to and receive assignments from the Animal Evacuation Leader. During an incident, it is also possible that directions may come directly from a Division Group Supervisor outside the Animal Rescue Group. The Division Group Supervisor has direct control of all activity within his/her geographic area and is responsible for all personnel within that area. Always comply with any directions or orders issued by the Division Group Supervisor!

A Single Resource consists of one vehicle (with or without a trailer) with two qualified Evacuation Team personnel. There are NO exceptions to the "2 person per vehicle" rule.

An Animal Task Force is made up of a Manager in a separate vehicle (plus one additional person) and up to 5 vehicles, with or without trailers, each containing 2 qualified Evacuation Team personnel.

All Evacuation Team personnel will check in with the Animal Evacuation Leader at Staging before receiving assignments. The Evacuation Check-In Form will be completed upon arrival.

Prior to assignment, all vehicles and trailers will undergo a safety inspection and complete a Vehicle Inspection Form. Drivers' licenses and proof of insurance will be checked at that time.

All Evacuation Team vehicles will be identified with a designator ID on the upper passenger side corner of the windshield. White shoe polish or equivalent is used for placing the designator ID. IDs will always begin with "Animal" to distinguish NVADG vehicles from other agency vehicles. ID numbers will be assigned by the Evacuation Leader. Typically, Animal Task Forces will begin with the number 50. Example: "Animal Task Force 50". Single Resources will use the assigned radio designator of the individual volunteer. Example: "AR12". 

Any requests for Evacuation equipment from the trailer will be recorded on the Equipment Request Log by the Animal Evacuation Equipment Manager.

The Animal Evacuation Leader will brief all Animal Task Force Managers and Single Resources on the IAP (Incident action Plan) and objectives. Particular emphasis will be made on safety and communications.

Animal Task Force Managers will brief their personnel on the same issues.

There will always be two people assigned per vehicle during all evacuation operations. Animal Evacuation Team volunteers will maintain an Evacuation Team Animal Log of all animals evacuated.  An Evacuation Team Log per location will be maintained for each location stopped at. An ICS 214 form will be maintained for each vehicle.

The Animal Evacuation Team will maintain communications at all times. King radios are the communication method, but cell phones may be used.  "Family radios" may be used for communication within an Animal Task Force or Single Resource. NVADG has its own tactical frequency 155.2725, but other frequencies may be assigned to use during the incident. Before using any radio, be sure to get a briefing on which radio frequencies will be used at the incident.

The Animal Evacuation Leader will determine the communication method used. The signal to evacuate from a scene immediately will be 3 beeps of a vehicle horn or any other signal designated by the Animal Evacuation Leader or Animal Task Force Manager.

Evacuation Team volunteers are expected to have their own "Ready Kit", including food, water, maps, ID badges, clothing and personal hygiene items, sufficient to sustain that person for 3 days in the field.  The recommended "Ready Kit" is described in the Evacuation Team Training manual. It is also expected that each team volunteer carry a water supply (at least 10 gallons) and containers suitable for large and small animals.

Evacuation Team volunteers can check out the following items (through the Animal Evacuation Equipment Manager) from the Equipment Cargo Trailer if available:

Sanitary Equipment: Any donated used equipment MUST be properly sanitized before being placed in the equipment trailer for use. All equipment must be cleaned and sanitized between and after each use. A 10% bleach/water solution (1:10 bleach/water dilution) or equivalent, either sprayed, or wiped, can be used for disinfecting purposes.

Shelter in Place: There may not always be enough time to evacuate a large kennel or barn, or it may be impractical to evacuation a large number of farm animals. On such occasions, it will be necessary to shelter animals in place. The procedure for "shelter in place" is to send in sufficient personnel to handle the animals (keep them calm, move them to a safer location on the property, contain any loose animals, etc) while fire personnel surround the property with fire engines and protect the location while the fire burns through. This will require a high level of training and the appropriate protective equipment. The decision to shelter in place will be made by fire personnel.

Personal Protective Equipment: At all times, Evacuation Team volunteers will adhere to the policy of the Safety Officer or Assistant Safety Officer concerning Personal Protective Equipment.

Animal Shelter Guidelines

NVADG is to provide an area for evacuated animals that is safe, secure and meets the animals' immediate needs. The Animal Shelter Leader is responsible for all shelter operations.

Emergency Animal Response for a Single Incident: Our Mission Statement is to help animal owners during a LARGE disaster. NVADG wants to be as helpful as possible to the general public and any public agencies, but it's not NVADG's purpose to fulfill a request that another agency has been organized to handle and can do a better job at. The local animal shelters' contact numbers are in the Emergency Response Directory and the request should be politely referred to the proper agency. However, if no other agency can handle the request, the Duty Officer shall evaluate the situation on a per case basis and offer assistance when possible.

Accurate identification and record keeping of all sheltered animals is essential. All animals brought in by the Evacuation Team will be identified by a pre-numbered neckband, or livestock marker, (depending on type of animal) prior to arrival.  Evacuation Team personnel will have numbered animal identification forms, but an Intake Form will still need to be filled out for each animal. Always strive to get Evacuation Team personnel back in the field as quickly as possible. An Animal Intake Form will be completed in duplicate for each individual animal. A Polaroid or digital  photo will be taken of each animal for further identification and attached to the Intake Form. A tag with the animal's ID number is affixed to the crate/pen where the animal is housed, along with an Animal Care Log. If the owner brings the animal in for sheltering, the duplicate copy is given to the owner; otherwise it is filed with the original Intake Form. Do NOT fill out the Release portion of the Intake Form until it is time to release the animal to its owner. Be sure to check all IDs and documentation before releasing any animal.

It is essential that the Intake Staff be well trained in properly filling out the Intake Form and recording all essential information about each animal.

A Master Intake List is maintained of all animals checked in at the shelter.

An Animal Care Log is maintained for each animal at the shelter, documenting the daily feeding, cleaning, exercising and veterinary care the animal receives.

Upon release from the shelter, the Animal Release portion of the Intake Form is completed.

Shelter Set Up and Operations

Parking:  Designate an area where volunteers and visitors can park. The area closest to the shelter should be reserved for visitors and incoming evacuation personnel with animals.

Intake/Reception:  The Intake Specialist is responsible for all incoming animal documentation and the release of animals to their owners. The Intake/Reception Area needs to be organized and well identified with signs directing people to different services. An Information area will have general information directing visitors the services they need. An Intake table for Evacuation Team personnel bringing in animals, as well as a separate Intake table for owners or other people bringing in animals for sheltering is set up. A Lost Pet area is set up for people looking for lost animals. An Animal Release table should be set up in the same area.

The Animal Volunteer Manager will oversee volunteer sign-in/sign-out and briefings.  An information board will be used to keep everyone updated on any operational changes and announcements. All Volunteers will be briefed by their supervisors at the beginning of each shift. During a large incident, it is anticipated that walk-in volunteers will need to be utilized. The Animal Shelter Volunteer Manager will be responsible for screening and approving all walk-in volunteers.

Volunteer food and rest area:  A private area with tables should be set up for volunteers to eat and take breaks.

Restrooms:  If restrooms are not available at or near the shelter site, portable toilets need to be ordered and set up a short distance from the shelter.

Communications:  Communications shall be maintained between the Animal Rescue Group Supervisor and the Animal Shelter Leader.

The communication methods used within the shelter will be determined by the Animal Shelter Leader.

Security:  The Animal Security Manager is responsible for providing security for shelter personnel and the animals housed there. The Security Manager s job is not to physically confront anyone - if the situation warrants, a law enforcement officer should be called for assistance.

For security and safety purposes, the Intake/Reception Area must be sectioned off from the actual animal housing area. Barriers and/or tape may be used to separate the Reception/Intake area from the housing sections. Shelter Security is to be maintained at all times. No unauthorized person should be allowed near sheltered animals. If an owner wishes to visit their pet while at the shelter, they should be allowed to do so whenever possible under supervision.

Housing:  The Animal Housing Manager oversees all Shelter Housing. Cages and pens should be set up in advance of animals arriving. Shade and protection from the elements should be provided in addition to individual housing. Animals should be separated by species, health and special needs. Any sick or injured animals should be in a separate area. Large animals, such as livestock and horses, may be housed in a completely separate facility if necessary. Aggressive animals should be identified and housed in a separate area.

Animal Exercise:  A secure and appropriate area for exercising animals should be established as soon as possible. The Animal Exercise Specialist is responsible for supervising the exercise of sheltered animals. Owners may exercise their animals, but if taken outside the shelter boundary, must sign in and out. Owners are to be instructed not to take animals into "people" shelters.

Feed:  The animal Feed and Supply Specialist is responsible for obtaining, storing and distributing appropriate feed and water to all sheltered animals. Feed should be stored in waterproof, closed containers, away from the animals.

Sanitation:  Sanitation is of utmost importance. The Sanitation Specialist is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the shelter. Trash bins and suitable containers for disposing of garbage, manure and soiled bedding should be set up as soon as possible. A separate and appropriately labeled container should also be set up for bio-hazard waste. Arrange for all garbage and waste to be removed at least once daily. Keep cleaning equipment and supplies organized and available. Cages and pens must be kept clean at all times. A 10% bleach/water solution can be used for disinfecting hard surfaces.

Infection Control:  A hand washing station with soap and water should be available to all personnel. Appropriate disinfecting sprays and wipes should be used as needed, under the guidance of the Veterinary Services Manager. All personnel who handle animals should wash their hands frequently and wear gloves. A first aid kit for humans will be available at all times.

Sick or injured animals need to be reported to the Veterinary Services Manager. The best way to handle a dangerous/aggressive animal is to contact Animal Control. If you suspect an animal might have rabies, quarantine and contact the Veterinary Services Manager and Animal Control immediately.

Haz Mat Incident:  In the case where an animal has been exposed to hazardous materials, quarantine, isolate and deny contact with people. Contact the Veterinary Services Manager. When appropriate, communicate with emergency services the possible need for additional services. Example: Butte County Hazardous Materials Team

Personnel: All Shelter staff positions will be assigned by the Animal Shelter Leader. The Shelter Leader is responsible for staff briefings and maintaining an ICS 214.

Shelter Personal Protective Equipment:  All shelter personnel must dress appropriately and professionally for their job. Long pants are mandatory - no shorts. Long sleeved shirts are recommended when handling animals. No sandals or open toe shoes. Tennis shoes may be worn if only working with small animals (cats and dogs) at the shelter, but all personnel working with large animals, such as horses, MUST wear sturdy boots.  Eye protection is advised whenever there is a possibility of being scratched or saliva hitting the face.

Do not wear loose, dangling jewelry to the shelter. It is advisable that personnel bring at least one change of clean clothes to the shelter. It is also recommended that before leaving the shelter to go home, that shelter personnel change out of work clothes into clean clothes in order to avoid bringing any disease or parasite home to their own animals. Shoes/boots should be disinfected when leaving the shelter.

Safety:  It is important that all Shelter personnel follow basic safety guidelines. Never attempt to handle any type of animal that you are not trained to work with. Leave aggressive animals for more experienced personnel. Understand your job assignment and ask for help if you need it. Stay alert and be aware of any hazards in your environment. Report hazards to the Animal Shelter Leader. Notify Shelter Security of any suspicious people in the area.

Radio Guidelines

Using correct radio procedures and terminology is of the utmost importance. All radio transmissions made by NVADG team personnel can be heard by personnel from other agencies, and the general public. Always be professional and mature when using any radios.

NVADG has its own tactical frequency 155.2725; however, additional frequencies are likely to be assigned during an incident. All personnel will be briefed on which radio frequencies are to be used for communications during for the particular incident.

Radio Terminology 

Our radio designators will begin with the word "Animal" or "AR" in order to avoid confusion with other agencies. For instance, using the designator "Shelter" could be confused with a shelter for humans, so we will always use the designator " Animal Shelter". Evacuation will always be designated as "Animal Evacuation".  

The Animal Evacuation Leader will designate Animal Rescue Units. For example, "AR Unit 50", "AR Unit 51", etc. Single resources will use the assigned radio designator of the individual volunteer.

When using the radios, use "Clear Text" words and phrases, not codes.

When initiating contact with another person, identify the title of person you wish to speak with (i.e. "Animal Evacuation Leader") and then identify yourself (i.e. "AR 52"). Identify yourself when ending the transmission (i.e. "AR 52" ).

Examples of Clear Text Words and Phrases:

Clear text means using common terminology understandable by all. The intent of the use of clear text is to paint a clear picture and reduce confusion at incidents, particularly where different agencies are working together.

Media Response Guidelines

NVADG has a board appointed Information Officer who handles public relations and publicity on an ongoing basis, but isn't automatically the ICS Assistant Information Officer at an incident. In addition to the assigned Assistant Information Officer, there may be another individual or individuals assigned as Assistant Information Officer to assist with the media for a particular incident. This person(s) normally handles all media duties during that incident. However, at any public event, incident, or during a drill, any volunteer of NVADG may be approached by the media for an interview on their personal role in the operation.

It is always important to represent NVADG in a positive way to the media.

Here are a few guidelines for successful representation of NVADG to the media:

         If you are not comfortable being interviewed, politely refer the reporter to the Assistant Information Officer.

Below are some frequently asked questions and the appropriate response:

Q:         When was the group started?
A:         NVADG was started in the summer of 2002

Q:         Why was the group started?

A:         The group evolved from three specific needs that faced the North Valley area. In the past, the local Red Cross handled help for animals involved in disasters. Because the Red Cross's Charter does not allow them to officially become involved with animal sheltering and evacuation this presented a problem. During recent disasters, Emergency Services providers have found that some people will not evacuate if they can't bring their animals with them. Unfortunately, this has proven to have fatal results in Butte County. After the devastating Marysville Flood of 1997, the California Board of Governors directed the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to set up an Animal Disaster Plan in each county in California. Butte County's Emergency Services began to draft a Guide to Disaster Preparedness and enlisted NVADG to complete this task.

Q.         What is the main purpose of the group?

A.         The purpose of the group is two-fold:

Q.         Who makes up the volunteers of the group?

A.         We have been very fortunate in our recruitment to have assembled a staff of quality volunteers. We have volunteers whose skills include Veterinarians, Nurses, Firefighters, Search and Rescue Personnel, Animal Trainers, Animal Control Officers, and dedicated lay people.

Q.         How many volunteers do you have? Do you need more volunteers?
A.         At the present time we have approximately 50 volunteers. Our goal is to have 100 fully trained personnel to fulfill our Mission Statement.

Q.         Under what authority does NVADG work?

A.         In addition to grants, we rely on monetary and product donations to secure the supplies that we need. Tax deductible donations can be made to NVADG. 

                                                   

Mutual Aid

The Role of the Counties in the California Animal Response in Emergency System (CARES). CARES organizes state resources, in support of local government responding to animal issues, during a state level emergency in accordance with SEMS (Standard Emergency Management System).

During a disaster, if local resources are insufficient to meet existing needs, local government may request state assistance. When this assistance is requested; the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) will activate CARES, with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) as the lead agency.

The ability to respond effectively at the state level largely depends upon planning accomplished within each OA (Operational Area) prior to a disaster. Since the majority of volunteers, resources, and organization during a disaster originate in the local area, it is essential that counties and local agencies have animal response plans in place in order for CARES to function effectively. The CARES Plan is intended to facilitate mutual aid between counties.

SECTION 7

Liability

Liability and Worker's Compensation

At the present time, under the "Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program", NVADG volunteers who have completed basic training and have been sworn in as a Disaster Services Workers, are covered for Worker's Compensation Insurance during training drills and actual incidents that NVADG has been called to respond to. This does not cover Personal Property Liability.

Butte County Department of Public Health will cover NVADG and its volunteers for Worker's Compensation and liability only when authorized by Butte County Department of Public Health to be activated for response and to the extent required by law. 

NVADG Evacuation Team volunteers should check with their own insurance policy to make sure that their vehicles and trailers will be covered should an accident occur. Damage to personally owned equipment, such as vehicles and trailers, is not covered by any policy through NVADG, Butte County, or OES.

It is up to each NVADG volunteer and Board Member to assure that they are properly covered by insurance to their personal comfort level.

NVADG may have a Board of Directors insurance policy covering Errors and Omissions and Liability.

General Liability

NVADG is covered under the Volunteer Act of 1997.

The federal Volunteer Act of 1997 grants immunity from personal liability to those who volunteer for nonprofit organizations. It is intended to encourage volunteerism and facilitate volunteer organization recruiting by reducing the legal liability risks to individuals who choose to serve. The law preempts inconsistent state laws, standardizing protection that now varies greatly from state to state.

The law preempts state law to provide that volunteers would not be liable for harm if (1) they were acting in the scope of the volunteer activity; (2) they were properly licensed (if necessary); (3) the harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the claimant; and (4) the harm was not caused by the volunteer operating a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.

The law does not allow punitive damages to be awarded against a volunteer unless the harm was caused by willful or criminal misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the claimant. In a suit against a volunteer, the volunteer's liability for "non economic damages" (pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc.) would be "several" but not "joint" (each volunteer would be responsible for a proportionate share).

 The law defines a volunteer as someone who provides service for a non-profit and is not compensated, other than being reimbursed for expenses or anything of value under $500 a year. The act defines non-profits as 501(c)(3)s under the 1986 Internal Revenue Service Code, and any not-for-profit organization geared for public benefit and operated for charitable, educational, religious, welfare or health purposes.

Volunteers for organizations exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are clearly covered by the law. In addition, volunteers of "any non-for-profit organization, which is organized and conducted for public benefit and operated primarily for charitable, civic, educational, religious, welfare or health purposes" are also clearly covered.<>

California Laws Protecting Disaster Workers

A. California Emergency Services Act, Government Code Ch. 7, Div. I of Title 2 includes Rules and Regulations regarding the registration of volunteer disaster workers.

B. California Disaster Act, Art.10, Sect. 1591 (b). Establishes liability limits for registered disaster volunteers.

Good Samaritan Liability, Calif. Civil Code, Ch. 9, Sect. 1799.102 Emergency care at the scene of a emergency.

Civil Code, Sect. 1714.5 establishes exemptions from liability,