D.A.R.T.

The Disaster Animal Response Team (D.A.R.T.) is a volunteer organization created under the Emergency Support Function 16 (ESF-16) which is part of the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan (TEMP). The Tennessee Department of Agriculture under the guidance of TEMA helps counties organize animal response teams to respond to Natural Disasters and Incidents involving animals, their safety and survival. Development of ESF-16 was began in 1999 and finalized in 2002. It was developed as an “All Animal-All Hazard” program for use at the county level. In Tennessee, DART teams are organized on the county level and under the direction of the county EMA office. Tennessee’s program has served as a model for several other states.

Melinda Barrington and Tony Fortner are the Williamson County DART Leaders and Melinda heads up the equine division for Williamson County. Following the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, it became very evident that a centralized organization with team members and lines of communication are imperative for a quick and efficient response to any animal disaster. DART is now the umbrella organization to coordinate and manage animal care and housing from other organizations under one ‘roof.’

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture administers the credentialing of DART members. All participants in DART are ‘credentialed’ through a short training process which will give each participant access to disaster areas when called upon. Each participant is registered and contact information maintained in the DART data base for easy access in case of an emergency.

Melinda Barrington is heading up all equine emergency responses and will be working statewide to coordinate volunteers and efforts an all areas. She has been developing a network of people from various disciplines and trades that can assist in any emergency and has been working closely with Dr. Robert Linnabary and Dr. Doug Balthaser from the State’s Veterinarian Office to develop the program for equine disaster response, protocol, volunteer network and communication. Melinda’s many years as an equestrian as well as years of animal rescue work make her well suited for the position.

Melinda is based out of the Franklin, Tennessee area and can be reached at (615) 473-6113 or by email at sales@grasslandrealestate.com.