Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Putnam Training Volunteers For Animals In Disaster

Putnam County Emergency Services will answer questions Thursday from volunteers who want to serve animals in a disaster.

Training for the Disaster Animal Response Team begins in April, according to Sharon Womack, Putnam County Emergency Management Deputy Director.

“What the classes are teaching is not going to be the response to the disaster itself, it’s going to be how to care for the animals affected by any disaster,” Womack said. “It could be tornado damage, it could be flooding, it could be like the ice storm. Any disaster could necessitate the care of animals of some sort, in some way.”

The Disaster Animal Response Team consists of two groups: large animal and small animal care. Womack said during disasters, each division focuses on the transportation and care of animals, said Womack.

The class gives participants certification through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

“We welcome people from different counties to come and be credentialed,” Womack said “So during a situation, we’ll have more of a chance that people would be able to step up to the plate and help.”

An informational meeting will take place on Thursday at the Putnam County Emergency Services building. The state-credentialed class begins on April 5. For more information, call 931-520-2961.

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