Dear HALTER Project Community:
February already! What better way to celebrate than by sharing your animal and personal preparedness knowledge with others.
To help you get ready for all kinds of mid-winter and early spring challenges, this edition of HALTER NewsNotes includes our annual Valentine Gift Ideas, links to some training and education resources, and lots of important “Need to Know” info about managing mud in your animal areas (and around your home), and what to do (and NOT do) in a large animal mud emergency.
Even if you aren’t an owner of horses or livestock, much of this info can still be useful. And—most of you will know someone with horses or backyard farm animals, or a sanctuary. Do help out by sharing this information. You could save lives!
We hope you enjoy this edition and will pass it along. Here’s to a happy and healthy Valentine Month, and lots of quality animal time.
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Mid-Winter Safety for Our Animal Companions |
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Where we are it finally rained! A lot!!
While the recent visit from serial Atmospheric Rivers delivered desperately needed water, they also left us with other mementos that are not so nice.
Many of our residents are dealing with the misery of displacement, mountains of debris, the impacts of long power outages, and lengthy lists of repairs to their homes and ranches. Most of us can check off at least one of these, or related effects.
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As ranchers, my family experienced some frightening and unprecedented flooding, with more than two weeks of sporadic, or no, public utility power. Like every other type of disaster, when we haven’t faced one for a while, it’s always a wake-up call.
We prepare year-round, but there are still things we “coulda/shoulda” done better. Unlike prep for wildfires, our flood muscle memory was a bit out of shape. How’s yours?
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One year ago, we hosted a wonderful Resiliency Workshop for Animal Responders. This first-of-its-kind program was taught by Susan Farren, Founder and Program Director of First Responder Resiliency, Inc, a groundbreaking non-profit whose mission is “To Put PTSD out of Business”.
Since then, we’ve tried to arrange more workshops but have been unable to find dates and locations that sync with the busy schedules of so many of our volunteers, veterinarians and others.
We know just how important this work is for all of us. At my request, Susan has graciously offered to share some of her expertise with us in short “lessons”, written for us to share. So, here’s a “Valentine” for all of you, from First Responder Resiliency and The HALTER Project.
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Happy Valentines to You and Your Animals! |
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We are continually asked for information about trainings of many types, for animal responder volunteers, CERT, Large Animal Technical Rescue, and safety courses for community leaders and neighborhood groups.
When we started The HALTER Project in 2013, it was a real challenge to find resources and opportunities in many areas, especially where I’m at in Northern California. Much has changed in the last several years, as natural disasters have increased in scale and frequency. The resources below include some that are regionally specific to Northern California, and several that offer training throughout the US. We’ve also included good “pointers” to help you identify good places to start in your community.
HALTER Project supports Preparedness by helping connect people with resources, providing free materials, producing events, and, when needed, sponsoring trainings and classes. No matter where you are, we can help you connect with the right instruction resources to help you learn the skills you’re interested in. HALTER Project can also craft a virtual or (depending on location), in-person workshop tailored to the interests and needs of your group, club, horse council, etc.. If interested, contact us at rescue@halterfund.org
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Daily Acts Sustainable Management Webinar
Water, Flood & Mud Management
March 5&6
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In this fun and educational workshop, you’ll learn practical, low-tech/low-cost and nature-inspired solutions to improving horse health, site design, and increasing the value and functionality of your property while mitigating all forms of land degradation!
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Anytime Viewing
VIRTUAL All-Hazards/Wildland Fireline Safety Course
Learn ways to protect yourself during wildfire incidents. You will be introduced to & gain knowledge of the basic Incident Management Systems (ICS), general wildland safety and the basics of fire behavior.
Review & discuss current issues/concerns in the wildland, risk management and entrapment avoidance. Review forecasts and assessments for the upcoming fire season.
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NorCal COMMUNITY ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAMs (CART) |
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Sonoma Community Animal Response Team
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Napa Community Animal Response Team
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Mendocino Community Animal Response Team
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North Valley Animal Disaster Group
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SCLAR Large Animal Rescue Evacuation
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San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group
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CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ANIMAL DISASTER TEAM
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OHSTAR
Oregon Humane Society Technical Animal Rescue Team
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If you're interested in starting a CART in your area, visit (our ling) for general How-Tos, or contact local county animal services agency.ll-to remaining!" |
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Visit instruction resources' websites to learn about types of trainings and schedules. |
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Dr. Rebecca (Gimenez) Husted
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Brett Huff
Garrett Leonard
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