Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
To the extent feasible, local evacuation plans should identify routes out of
potential hazard zones. In the event that local, tribal, and state resources
are exhausted, various federal agencies may be able to support evacuation
needs. For example, under the Public Assistance Program, FEMA may be
able to activate ambulance services under certain conditions. Also in sup-
port of transportation resources, FEMA can request transportation support
through the Department of Defense (DOD) if commercial transportation
is exhausted. If aerial evacuation is necessary, FEMA may also coordinate
with the Federal Aviation Administration to manage aviation traffic near the
emergency impact area.
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Facilitated Reunification.
During mass evacuation and sheltering opera-
tions, it may be necessary to support reunification of family members.
The National Mass Evacuation Tracking System (NMETS) is a manual and
computer-based system designed to assist local, tribal, and state jurisdictions
in tracking transportation-assisted evacuees. In lieu of NMETS, a formalized
system of tracking should be implemented to support facilitated reunifica-
tions of family members.
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Household Pets and Service Animals.
As stated in the PETS Act (2006),
a household pet is a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rabbit,
rodent, or turtle, that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather
than for commercial purposes, can travel in commercial carriers, and be
housed in temporary facilities. Household pets do not include reptiles (except
turtles), amphibians, fish, insects, arachnids, farm animals (including horses,
and animals kept for racing purposes). Service animals are defined as any
guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assis-
tance to an individual with a disability including, but not limited to, guiding
individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing
to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling
a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items. Although assignments for pets and
service animals may vary at the local, tribal, and state levels, the NRF assigns
care of pets and service animals to ESF-6 with ESF-8, Public Health and
Medical Services, and ESF-11, Agriculture and Natural Resources, providing
support.
The overall goal is to establish the operational framework to foster pet health
and safety and to coordinate effective use of public and private partnerships for the
care and wellbeing of animals classified as either household pets or service animals.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service can provide technical sup-
port regarding the safety and wellbeing of household pets. The USDA FNS can
provide food and nutritional assistance to support animal care. HHS Veterinary
Medical Services can support animal care through provision of qualified veterinary
medical personnel and through environmental health services such as disease and
vector control.
