Disaster Preparedness and Response

Disasters are “unexpected conditions that result in the catastrophic failure of critical systems or significant personnel absenteeism, or other unexpected events that severely compromise ongoing animal care and well-being" (Guide p.35).

It can be helpful to think of disasters or emergencies in general categories:

• Natural Disasters: Hazardous events occurring due to environmental factors, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, etc.
• Accidents: Unexpected, unintentional events that result in negative consequences, such as equipment failure, release of hazardous material, human error, etc.
• Malicious Events: Deliberate actions of ill intent designed to cause harm or damage, such as vandalism and sabotage, cyberattacks, terrorism, etc.
• Biological Events: Hazardous events occurring due to biological factors, such as pandemics, facility disease outbreaks, large-scale pest or mold infestation, etc.

Some disasters, such as weather events, can be anticipated to some degree. Others may occur with little warning. Disasters or emergencies may also vary in scale and result in localized or more extensive effects; for example, one storm may produce limited flooding or HVAC failure in a single vivarium building, while another may result in a large tornado that produces widespread damage. A disaster or emergency need not be extensive to have a significant impact on the welfare of animals and the research program. Having a well-designed disaster plan that addresses multiple types of disasters can help minimize potential impacts to life, property, and program operations.

Laws and Policies

PHS Policy IV.A.1. “The PHS requires institutions to use the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide) as a basis for developing and implementing an institutional program for activities involving animals."

• The Guideaddresses disaster planning and management in several sections. Some relevant pages include (but are not limited to) pages 35, 74, 75, 112, and 114.

PHS Policy IV.B.3. Footnote 8."The IACUC may, at its discretion, determine the best means of conducting an evaluation of the institution's programs and facilities. The IACUC may invite ad hoc consultants to assist in conducting the evaluation. However, the IACUC remains responsible for the evaluation and report."

PHS Policy IV.C.1.g."Methods of euthanasia used will be consistent with the recommendations of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Panel on Euthanasia, unless a deviation is justified for scientific reasons in writing by the investigator."

PHS Policy IV.C.5."The IACUC shall conduct continuing review of each previously approved, ongoing activity covered by this Policy at appropriate intervals as determined by the IACUC, including a complete review in accordance with IV.C.1-4. at least once every three years."

1. Mitigation: Regular activities involving safety and good business practice that reduce the likelihood of emergencies or lessen the impact of a disaster or emergency. Examples of mitigation include performing regular facility maintenance, operating an occupational health and safety program, providing personnel training, enabling routine data backup, insurance policies, etc.

   In some instances, effective mitigation strategies can prevent emergencies from arising altogether. Institutions, supervisors, and researchers should evaluate risk on an ongoing basis to ensure that mitigation strategies are comprehensive and appropriate.

2. Preparedness: Specific protocols and actions in anticipation of an emergency to facilitate timely and effective response. Examples of preparedness include developing evacuation plans and emergency response SOPs, establishing lines of authority and communication, ensuring adequate supplies, preserving key genetic lines, instituting drills and tabletop exercises, etc. Emergency management authorities encourage the use of an "all-hazards approach" to disaster and emergency preparedness, which focuses on ensuring the continuity of critical systems and core functions to ensure resilience in a variety of circumstances.

   It can also be helpful for institutions to become acquainted with the principles of incident command and response, as well as local and national emergency response guidelines, in advance of an emergency to be the most informed while designing the disaster plan.

3. Response: Actions taken during and in the immediate aftermath of an emergency to ensure the safety of personnel and animals, save property, and minimize further impact. Examples of disaster response include emergency medical care, search and rescue, providing supplemental power, etc.
4. Recovery: Long-term actions taken to re-establish the program. Examples of long-term response include facility repairs, replacement of lost property, securing financial assistance, ensuring the psychological well-being of staff, etc. As part of recovery, disaster plans should be reviewed and updated with “lessons learned.”

The Four Phases of Emergency Management framework is applicable to all types of disasters or emergencies and can be thought of as a cycle.