Town of Southampton Hosts Training On Assisting Animals In Disasters

In an effort to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff in the various departments that deal with animals, the Town of Southampton Department of Public Safety recently hosted a federal training program, “All Hazards Preparedness for Animals in Disasters.”

The Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management, which consists of Animal Control, Code Enforcement, Fire Marshals and Emergency Management staff responds to issues, complaints and emergencies involving animals throughout the Town of Southampton and some of the incorporated villages. The Animal Control Division also oversees some commercial animal business operating permits and conducts inspections at events where animals are present as part of the approved event activities.

The Town worked with Suffolk County’s Office of Emergency Management to host the free federal training class. Representatives from Southampton Town Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Southampton Town Police Department, the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, the Hampton Classic, Suffolk County and other emergency response and animal welfare organizations were in attendance at the training hosted in Hampton Bays.

“Southampton is the home to a variety of different pets and wild animals. We are also the location of events involving animals like polo matches and the world famous Hampton Classic Horse Show. Anything that we can do to enhance our preparedness and foster partnerships with other organizations involved with these animals and events is beneficial to the town,” said Code Compliance and Emergency Management Administrator Ryan Murphy.

The training class was two days long and provided participants with the ability to work through realistic scenarios, network and obtain training certificates in the subject area.