When conducting research, particularly research involving the use of animals, there is the potential for unexpected conditions to occur. These unexpected conditions could severely impact the ability to provide daily care to the animals and may also impact their well-being. In the event that the animal research facilities have a disaster, an emergency response plan (Research Support Facility Plan) has been developed to address the disasters that could result in an inability to maintain normal conditions in DePaul’s Research Support Facility (RSF) or an inability of personnel to reach the RSF. Such events could ultimately affect the health and well-being of the humans and animals that are part of the animal care and use program at DePaul. The plan offers guidelines for personnel on how to respond to likely emergencies and disasters with the goal of protecting and minimizing the effects of emergencies or disasters on the health and well-being of the humans and animals that are part of the animal care and use program at DePaul.
The plan is designed to:
- Prepare animal users and the staff of the Research Support Facility (RSF) for potential emergencies
- Provide guidelines for animal users and RSF staff for responding to potential emergencies or disasters
- Assist animal users and RSF staff in avoiding and anticipating dangerous situations
- Describe responsibilities of key personnel in responding to emergencies and disasters
- Identify personnel who should be trained in order to effectively implement this plan.