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 Home > MRC Spotlights > Unit Spotlight - Fall 2007
When was the unit founded?
The unit was registered on October 5, 2005.
What drives the unit?
Prior to becoming the Northern California MRC, the AMERS Ambulance Nurses responded to the 2005 Hurricane Response. MRC Director, David Watts, recognized that there was no coordinated support for locally based veterinarians. Therefore, it is the mission of the unit to support the existing veterinary infrastructure by empowering local veterinarians to support themselves and their communities in the event of an emergency. If veterinarians are able to support the community they serve, they will be better equipped to respond in an emergency.
How many volunteers does the unit have?
The Northern California Veterinary MRC has 56 total volunteers.
How large is the unit’s staff?
The Northern California Veterinary MRC staff consists of the MRC Director, Leader of MRC Coordination and Training, and a Leader for MRC Compliance.
Why was the unit selected?
The Northern California Veterinary MRC is dedicated to supporting the need for an animal response in an emergency and raises awareness for the importance of a veterinary component in other MRC units. The unit is housed in a veterinary clinic and actively participates in local exercises and community events.
What obstacles has the unit had to overcome?
The Northern California Veterinary MRC includes a vast jurisdiction, which has made it difficult for the unit to receive full support from each community it serves. However, the unit’s involvement in the community has gained recognition from the State Office of Emergency Services (OES). In fact, the California OES has included the Northern California Veterinary MRC in a drill involving livestock and other animals. The purpose of the drill will be to critique the emergency response of MRC units and emergency management personnel.
What are some of the unit’s activities?
The Northern California Veterinary MRC has drills once a quarter. Each drill focuses on a different topic, which allows volunteers to stay active with the MRC and keep their skills sharp. Volunteers are also cross trained to be able to perform duties outside of their usual area of expertise. During the summer months, the unit holds two events a month. These events include “Pets Night Out” and “Beta-barkers” which promotes pet preparedness and the MRC program to communities. In addition, the unit participated in the California State OES drill in October 2007.
The Northern California Veterinary MRC recognizes active volunteers by having a volunteer of the month. Volunteers receive a certificate and are recognized on their website for having consistently participated in unit activities.
The Northern California Veterinary MRC has also partnered with the Church of Latter Day Saints to promote preparedness through promotional items such as brochures and backpacks. The unit gave away 20 backpacks that included disaster supplies for pets such as food in an emergency. The back packs would be easily accessible and help families to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Any interesting facts about the unit?
The Northern California Veterinary MRC has partnered with other animal rescue organizations to create a website that would act as an information and resource tool for the unit and public during an emergency. The site would be a pet disaster tracker with real time information on the area affected and pictures of rescued animals. Additionally, it would provide information on where rescued animals can be picked up. The website can also be updated from any location allowing the most current data to be uploaded at any time.
Last Updated on 11/20/2007 |
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