For Release Thursday, October 5, 2006

Northshore Region to Conduct Emergency Preparedness Exercise
Test of new pet evacuation drill included 

            The St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will host an emergency exercise for Region IX of the State of Louisiana on Wednesday, October 11^th beginning at 8:00 AM.  Region Nine includes the parishes of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and St. Helena.   

The Region IX exercise will focus on communications between the different agencies, transfer of information to the responsible authorities as well as a test of the various communications equipment installed in the Emergency Operations Center.  All agencies and municipalities will participate in the scenario.  The functional exercise will not only test and exercise the response to the scenario but will also serve as training for newly assigned liaison officers serving the local EOCs.  Over fifty first responders will participate in this part of the exercise.

The Department of Animal Services will test their new state-mandated pet evacuation plan on the 11^th with assistance from Noah’s Wish Foundation.  Noah’s Wish will be on-site with volunteers and equipment to assist with a rescue drill with mock injuries in a triage situation, setting up a pet shelter, and preparing pets for transportation in a state-provide vehicle.  The Animal Services/Noah’s Wish drill will take place at the Parish Fairgrounds, located in Covington, LA beginning at 9:00AM.  Other participants in this drill include the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the State Veterinarian, private veterinarians, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State Animal Rescue Team and the City of Slidell Animal Control Office.

###