LADDER: Local Approach to Discussion-Based Disaster Exercises and Readiness - Phase II

The project goal is to engage whole community stakeholders in discussion- based exercises to improve disaster preparedness involving animals. Few resources exist to facilitate exercises that test local disaster response to animal issues. LADDER: Local Approach to Discussion-Based Disaster Exercises and Readiness – Phase II uses behavioral and social sciences to offer emergency management, Extension educators and other stakeholders a low-cost, virtual, game-based activity and gap analysis tool to increase community resilience. Objectives of the project are to: 1)expand LADDER stakeholder reach through a multimedia approach and 2) develop a customized planning tool to address local animal preparedness gaps during a disaster. Accomplishment of the project goal and supporting objectives will be achieved through planning, design/development, engagement, and evaluation phases, which will engage preparedness stakeholders and build upon existing EDEN resources to address animal issues in disasters. Exercise materials will be pilot tested in locations reflective of rural communities across the nation. Using pilot-testing feedback, revisions to the initial product will be made. Participants will conduct a gap analysis of their local emergency operations plan to identify areas for improvement. Upon conclusion of the project, the project team will engage Extension and emergency management professionals through a network of existing organizations to facilitate local emergency managers’ ability to meet the full spectrum of local preparedness needs.