FOX 10: Mass Care Exercise

News Highlights:

• As the state’s designated responder for animals in distress during natural disasters, the Arizona Humane Society, along with more than 1,000 players from 75 federal, state, local and tribal government agencies, private sector and voluntary organizations, participated in Arizona’s National Mass Care Exercise from May 21-24, 2018. AHS worked closely with the Arizona Department of Emergency Management, and the Red Cross Greater Phoenix Chapter.
• The exercise began with a test scenario of a catastrophic earthquake in southern California that triggered a national migration of 400,000 people to Arizona.
• As part of the exercise, the Papago Military Base softball field will transformed into a temporary shelter for both the Red Cross and AHS’ Disaster Response teams as they worked together to help the people and pets affected by the disaster. AHS’ Disaster Response team’s deployment included the set-up of its temporary pet shelter which will consist of pet housing/intake, Emergency Animal Medical Technician™ ambulance, AKC Disaster Trailer, AHS’ Healthy Tails Mobile Veterinary Clinic – a 60-foot hospital on wheels – as well as owners and their pets played by AHS volunteers and adoptable dogs.
• The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs has been at the heart of the National Mass Care Exercise planning and coordination for nearly a year. Arizona is the fifth state to host the National Mass Care Exercise, which supports the National Mass Care Strategy to ensure agencies can work together to meet the needs of catastrophic incidents.

FOX 10