Emergency Preparedness

h America are confronted with emergency situations which in some way involve livestock. From livestock trailer incidents, to barn fires, disaster evacuations to loose livestock, from rural communities to urban cities. Accidents and disasters involving livestock require a coordinated approach between first responders (fire- fighters, police), producers, government agencies and volunteers. There are a variety of guidelines available that address planned responses to such incidents. However, most include little information on how to handle livestock during times of crisis. Emergency handling of stressed or injured livestock is the biggest safety issue for the handler and the biggest welfare issue for the animal. Even those with a livestock background do not understand the true complexity of emergencies and disasters that involve livestock. An animal in an emergency or disaster event are very different than an animal in a farm setting. This program is focused on providing awareness and guidance so those responding to incidents involving livestock are aware of the hazards and have the tools to make informed decisions on everything from animal handling to extrication to euthanasia.
This course was developed in 1998 and has been delivered to thousands of people all over North America. One and two day courses are available along with equine only focused training.
The components of this course include:
Risk Identification and Mitigation
Stressed Livestock Behaviour and Handling
Response to Motor Vehicle Accidents and Extrication
Livestock Rescue including Entrapment, Barn Fires, Water Rescue
Laws, Liabilities and Scene Security
Injured Animal Protocols
Euthanasia
Resourcing

When “disaster” hits it is often a very localized event requiring a localized response. Very few municipalities are prepared to handle the livestock aspect of a disaster. From the original LERC I saw a need for expansion into Disaster Planning for Livestock. 

I have worked with livestock producers, equine facilities, processors and commodity groups on creating disaster and emergency response plans for farms, feedlots, race tracks, auction markets, and processors. I have also provided

 program development and workshops for mass destruction training. My work in this area expanded past the livestock industry into municipalities providing consultation on how to incorporate livestock into overall disaster planning. I have also worked with the energy sector on how to handle livestock involved in incidents within their industry.

Services include development of disaster plan / emergency preparedness customized to your needs based on the type of livestock in your area and the risks common to your area. Training is also available including table top workshops based on your disaster plan. 

Providing consultation and training for the development of livestock emergency response trailers for livestock  industry groups, fire departments and municipalities. Have provided consultation and/or training for well over 50 livestock rescue trailers across North America. 

• Wheatland County
• County of Rockyview
• MD of Bighorn
• Saskatchewan Sheep Producers
• MD of Bonnyville
• Alberta Racing Association
• Alberta Livestock Identification Services
• Hundreds of Fire Departments and Fire Schools across Canada and the United States. 
• National Pork Board
• Canadian Livestock Transport 
• Cargill Pork 
• Smithfield Foods 
• Ontario Farm Animal Council 
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Farm and Ranch Safety & Health Association (FARSHA BC)
• Hartford Insurance
• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs 
• Indiana Packers
• Minnesota Pork Producers 
• Alberta Equine Federation
• BC Pork Pork Producers
• Alberta Pork Producers
• Manitoba Pork Producers 
• Syncrude Oil
• Shell Oil