The new year is the perfect time to revisit or begin your preparedness plans! In this update you will find an audio recording of our most recent ZAHP Chat as well as information on how to join the next “Ask Animal Care” call organized by Excellence Beyond Compliance, and resources from the Department of Homeland Security’s Commercial Facilities Section to help your facilities prepare for risks such as armed attacks, cyber-attacks, and more. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions about any of the resources included here or on the ZAHP website, or have questions about moving forward in your overall planning process. Suggestions of content you would like to see in the future, and information on preparedness programs at your facility that you may like to see highlighted are also encouraged!
Department of Homeland Security Commercial Facilities Resources
The Commercial Facilities sector includes a diverse range of sites that may draw large crowds, including zoos and aquariums. Various sector collaboration mechanisms, resources, and training materials have been developed by DHS to support facility owners and operators in increasing security and resiliency of their facilities in preparation for various threats such as the following identified trends and emerging issues: armed attacks, cyber-attacks, supply chain disruptions, explosive devices, unmanned aircraft systems, natural disasters, and extreme weather. More information can be found on the Commercial Facilities Sector Fact Sheet and in the links below:
· DHS CF Sector Home Page: https://www.dhs.gov/commercial-facilities-sector
· CF Sector Training: https://www.dhs.gov/commercial-facilities-training
· CF Sector Resources: https://www.dhs.gov/commercial-facilities-resources
· Business Continuity Planning Suite: https://www.ready.gov/business-continuity-planning-suite
· Active Shooter Preparedness: https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
ZAHP Chat: A Discussion on the Ongoing Response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
On November 30th the ZAHP Fusion Center hosted a ZAHP Chat discussing recent events through the perspective of USDA/Animal Care, with speakers who responded to various affected areas. The call included a brief “FEMA Disaster Assistance 101” as well as a question and answer portion. A recording of the call can be accessed here:
ZAHP Chat:A Discussion on the Ongoing Response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Excellence Beyond Compliance
EXCELLENCE BEYOND COMPLIANCE: Enhancing Animal Welfare Through the Constructive Use of the Animal Welfare Act seeks to leverage the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), its “minimum standards,” and all AWA-related processes to bring out the best in zoological professionals, zoological organizations and others in fostering AWA compliance, enhancing animal welfare and promoting organizational excellence. Excellence Beyond Compliance regularly schedules “Ask Animal Care” calls where zoological professionals are encouraged to submit questions for USDA representatives. The next call is scheduled for January 25, 2018 at 3:00PM EST and will feature the following speakers: Bernadette Juarez, Deputy Administrator USDA Animal Care; Elizabeth Goldentyer, DVM,Associate Deputy Administrator, Animal Care; and Robert M. Gibbens, DVM, Director, Animal Welfare Operations. Those interested in joining the call can register and submit questions be emailing [email protected] by January 18, 2018.