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III. SITUATION <br /> A. Disaster Condition <br /> Animal issues are generally classified as a lesser priority during an <br /> emergency or disaster event; this is caused by the public's perception that <br /> most animals can fend for themselves. Animals injured or displaced from <br /> their habitats can lead to additional injury and hunger. <br /> During major and catastrophic emergency events, Indian River County may <br /> require specific assistance in management of the critical functions identified <br /> in ESF#17. The identification, training, and exercising of such teams prior to <br /> an event is required to ensure standardized operating practices and <br /> continuity of operations. Based on disaster summaries from other counties, <br /> it is anticipated that volunteer service organizations and mutual aid units will <br /> automatically go to impacted areas following emergencies;therefore, a rapid <br /> arrival and establishment of predetermined actions is necessary to assist in <br /> managing these resources. <br /> B. Planning Assumptions <br /> 1. During major and catastrophic emergency events, Indian River <br /> County may require specific assistance in management of the critical <br /> functions. <br /> 2. A large scale disaster will impact agricultural and natural resources in <br /> Indian River County. <br /> 3. The impact of a significant crop loss or agricultural impact would be <br /> significate for Indian River County's economy. <br /> 4. The large number of homeless/injured pets and livestock could <br /> become a public health problem. <br /> 5. Triage and treatment of sick and injured animals would have to be <br /> accomplished by veterinarians at designated shelters and prive <br /> offices. <br /> 6. Sheltered animals will need to be re-united with their owners after the <br /> disaster. <br /> 7. Impacts to Indian River County's natural resources could delay a full <br /> recovery process. <br /> 8. The identification, training, and exercising of such teams prior to an <br /> event is required to ensure standardized operating practices and <br /> continuity of operations. <br /> 9. Based on disaster summaries from other counties, it is anticipated <br /> that volunteer service organizations and mutual aid units will <br /> automatically go to impacted areas following emergencies; therefore, <br /> a rapid arrival and establishment of predetermined actions is <br /> necessary to assist in managing these resources. <br /> Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Annex I - Page ESF#17-3 <br />