KANSAS SART INC

Develop and support local animal response teams across Kansas in 7 regional areas which are designated by the Homeland Security Map of Kansas. KS SART administrative support includes a state wide web-based volunteer database, the credentialing and badging process, the newsletter, coordination of training programs, collaborative connections with state agencies and national animal organizations, disaster response coordination and more.

Provide training for local animal response teams through the state exercise and conference programs, the NEW volunteer training weekend (Train Today, Respond Tomorrow) and other training as needed.

Develop standard public information and education materials for use across the state in order to provide a consistent message and platform for all the local teams.

Raise awareness that pets must be considered in disaster preparedness and response efforts. To raise awareness that the Animal Response Team coalition exists for pet owners during a disaster. To also raise awareness before the disaster to gain support through MOUs, MAA, funding, volunteer recruitment, disaster response partnerships and resources.

Building relationships is key at the state level with state organizations such as the Department of Ag and the Kansas Department of Emergency Management as well as local community relationships with animal control, shelters, boarding facilities and other animal organizations.

Developing memorandums of understanding and disaster partnerships with companies and foundations willing to help with funds and resources in times of preparation and the actual disaster and recovery process.

Continually supporting the teams by providing administrative and technical support, developing educational and training programs, funding of equipment through state grant applications and development of policies and procedures for consistency and to allow the local teams to focus solely on volunteer recruitment and training.

The State Coordinator position is key for the administrative and technical support, development of education and training programs, state grant applications, development of policies and procedures, development of relationships at the state level and facilitating development of team relationships. In addition this function is responsible for communications and coordination of annual training events.

Volunteer committees work on state projects under the supervision and support of the State Coordinator and Executive Committee.

The State Coordinator often attends meetings with grant providers, VOAD and other organizations to foster relationships and participate in a collaborative approach to disaster preparedness and response.

2011-2013
Responded to 2011 Reading, KS Tornado
Responded to 2012 Wichita, KS (Oaklawn neighborhood) Tornado
Responded to the 2013 Moore, OK Tornado
Unit Coordinator position was developed and filled through private donor funding.
Regional team concept was developed and implementation began.
State-wide volunteer web-based database implemented.
State newsletter developed and implemented.
AVMF grant for KS SART Trailer w/tents for temporary sheltering.
DBAs trained all 7 regions for volunteer database.

2014
MRC grant funding of My PET Project: Pets Evacuate Too
MRC grant funding for administration
ASPCA funding for administration, ICS300/400 Training, Operation PUP Tent Training

2015
New website implemented.
ASPCA grant funding for 2015 KAPC
Red Cross grant funding for 2015 KAPC
$50,000+ in-kind donation of dog collars and leashes, shared out to teams and humane societies across Kansas

2016
ASPCA grant funding for 2016 KARE
Red Cross grant funding for NASAAEP attendance (KS, MO, IA, OK)
MOU local team and local humane society
Train Today, Respond Tomorrow - pilot training program developed
State credentials and badging process with KDEM defined
State on-call DO for KS SART process defined

2017-2018
Established an annual two day statewide training conference - Train Today Respond Tomorrow and Shelter From The Storm.
Establish an annual Advance Training Workshop for all volunteers.
Developed software for the specific purpose of animal intake and tracking during a response.
Participated in Project Care 2017-2108 as a hands-on training exercise for responders.
Responded to Kansas flooding disaster in 2018 in Elwood, Kansas.
Obtained grant funding for the purchase of an additional Companion Animal Mobile Equipment trailer stationed in the SE region of Kansas
Initiate strategic planning for consolidation of volunteers and resources into a single, cohesive state response team.