Discussion Question

Emergency response is not limited to natural disasters or acts of terrorism. In fact, the scope of emergency management encompasses all events that are unexpected and have the potential to impact a wide population. In October 2011, dozens of rare and exotic animals escaped a private zoo in Ohio to which the local community's emergency management team responded. When the incident was over, forty-nine, of the fifty-six animals who escaped, were killed by sheriff's deputies. Could this situation have been avoided if there had been an emergency response plan in place for rare or uncommon events? Should all communities have in place a plan for responding to such events?

For this Discussion, consider whether the wild animal incident in Ohio required an emergency response and why. Then consider whether community emergency response plans should contain contingencies for rare or uncommon events.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post your position on whether the wild animal incident in Ohio required an emergency response and why. Then explain whether community emergency response plans should contain contingencies for rare or uncommon events and why. Justify your response with references to the Learning Resources and current literature.