ATR Emergency Response Planning

Why Plan for ATR Emergencies?

Animal emergencies requiring technical rescue may occur in every county in the state of Florida. Even in communities not known for significant livestock populations, animals will be transported in trailers across roadways.

Although it is not possible to anticipate every possible emergency, communities can consider common scenarios, including animals trapped below grade, animals trapped in overturned trailers, or animals trapped in mud. By considering what resources might be needed to support these responses and organizing these resources during blue skies, incidents can be managed more efficiently with safer and better outcomes for all involved.

Who Should Plan for ATR Emergencies?

In reality, anyone in a community can be involved in developing an ATR emergency response plan. We encourage cooperation between local emergency managers, ESF-17 coordinators, local public safety agencies, and community partners. Identifying key players, discussing best methods of contact, and pre-planning for these incidents will greatly enhance success in the field.

How Can We Plan for ATR Emergencies?

Some agencies may develop Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their personnel to follow in the event of an ATR incident. A county emergency manager may take the lead in developing a formal emergency response plan for the community.

In all cases, the UF VETS team has provided a planning guide which may be helpful in organizing community resources which may be needed for ATR incidents. While this guide is not exhaustive, it is designed to be modified to fit the needs of each individual community. Once created, this document should be distributed to relevant parties within the community for ease of access. We recommend that contact information is updated at least annually.