DART Mobilization System

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to help DART members interpret and respond to alerts they receive from DART.

These alerts may be issued through several communication channels:

1. phone call: there is a phone tree and all DART graduates are in the tree. We will try home phone numbers first; mobile phones second; work phones last. Copies of the phone list have been given to the EOC of your jurisdiction AND are available to the members of the DART Board of Directors;
2. email: if there is time members will receive an alert stating the alert level and summarizing the action(s) DART would like them to take;
3. newsletter: if there is time, a newsletter will be sent to all DART members and people interested in DART specifying the alert level and the action(s) DART members are expected to take;
4. web site: if there is time a news article will be placed on the web site and the alert status on the site will be adjusted to reflect the Alert Status;
5. runners: if other means of communication fail, runners will be used to drop off messages at the home addresses of DART members.

Alert Levels

Actions Expected

Level One: Blue ALERT

This is the Initial Assessment phase. DART is speaking with representatives of the lead agency on the ground to determine how many volunteers are needed, what skill sets are required, how many and what kind of animals are on the ground now and how many more are expected.

DART members are expected to answer the following questions for themselves:

·      Do you have any pending obligations that would prevent you from responding to a call-out? If you have pending obligations and if they cannot be rescheduled or delegated to someone else, you should not deploy.  No further action is necessary.

·      Do you have vacation days or personal days available? If you have no days available and your employer is not prepared to let you take unpaid time off, you should not deploy.  No further action is necessary.

·      Is your pet sitter available or can you find someone else to care for your pets? If the answer is no, you should not deploy.  No further action is necessary.

·      If you cannot help – don’t worry! DART will continue to contact you each disaster until you tell us otherwise.

If you can not deploy, you might consider volunteering for administrative work during spare time from home, or to participate in local outreach/fundraising events. If you want to do this, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , stating your availability including limitations (such as: can only work from home, can not make phone calls etc. etc.)

Level Two: Yellow ALERT

Preparations phase. Based on the information available, DART has decided to start preparing for deployment.

Dart members who have decided that they are available for deployment (see Level 1 Blue Alert) are expected to do the following:

·      Inquire about time off from work.  Your employer is under no obligation to grant you time off. If your supervisor informs you that you can not take time off at this time, you should not deploy and no further actions is required on your part.

·      Contact the DART Volunteer and let them know that you are available. Be clear about dates. When will you leave? How long do you think it will take to get to your destination? How many days can you stay? What day will you have to leave?

·      Fill all needed prescriptions. You may not be near a pharmacy. Make sure you have enough medications on you for your deployment period. Have the address of a pharmacy where you can get refills.

·      Check your packing list on go-kit. Do you have all your supplies? Do you need fresh batteries?  

·      Think about travel arrangements. Will you fly or drive?

·      Contact volunteers who live in your area. Is there someone you can travel with?

·      Be honest with yourself about your ability to help. Once you commit, you will be counted on as a valuable Team Member. Should your schedule change, it could potentially weaken the Team.

·      If you cannot help – don’t worry! DART will continue to contact you each disaster until you tell us otherwise.

Level Three: Orange ALERT

Mobilization phase. (Only volunteers who have confirmed their availability and have the skill sets required for the disaster will be mobilized. Oftentimes there are more volunteers available than are needed initially. We also prefer to have a “second wave” on stand-by because in longer deployments fatigue sets in after three or four days. If you are not part of the first wave, you may still be called upon later!!!)

·      Collect your belongings.  Make sure that your name is on as many items as possible. There may be some chaos and confusion in the disaster area.

·      Solidify arrangements for your pets.

·      Notify family and work of your possible departure and return dates.

·      Check on flights, rental cars, etc., but DO NOT purchase until deployment is confirmed.

·      Complete any last minute shopping for needed personal and pet items.

·      Stay tuned to TV or radio for storm, travel and warnings information.

·      Contact your Volunteer Coordinator to discuss schedule and destination.

Level Four: Red ALERT

Deployment phase. You are going!

·      Confirm your schedule and destination with your Volunteer Coordinator.  

·      Finalize flights, rental cars, etc.

·      Notify family, work, and pet sitter of your departure and return dates.

·      Finish packing. Double-check packing list.

·      In your carry-on items, take your ID Badge, money, valuables, and prescriptions.  

·      Wear clothing suitable for the season and for the terrain and disaster you are going to. If your luggage gets lost, you’ll be prepared.

·      Remember, unless your State Coordinator has told you that Rapid Response will provide transport from the airport to base camp, it’s up to you to make the necessary arrangements to get there.

·      Exercise caution when traveling. Pay attention to travel advisories.

·      Expect traffic delays and restrictions. Practice patience.

Level Zero: Green ALERT

Demobilization / Release phase. You are going home.

·      Check out with the local Coordinator, fill out all paperwork.

·      Let other volunteers know that you are leaving.

·      Have a safe trip back home.

·      Upon arrival, let the DART Volunteer Coordinator know that you have returned safely (otherwise, we will worry!).

Keep Emotions Out Of The Disaster

1.              DART deploys in order to help, not to criticize the locals or to lecture them about ways to do things better;

2.              DART deploys to help the animals: if you see ways to improve the situation for animals or if you see unacceptable conditions or practices, talk to your DART Coordinator FIRST or to the Coordinator of the Lead Agency (SECOND) unless it is a life or death situation;

3.              Keep it in the family: suggestions for improvements, analysis of what went wrong are best made in a closed meeting with your DART Coordinator; “camp fire” meetings are a good vehicle for letting off steam or soliciting input from other DART members.

4.              If you see areas where we can improve, please collect as much data as you can, document as much as possible (take photographs, write down names of others who may have observed the same) and report this, preferably in writing, after the disaster.