This document outlines Orange County Animal Care's procedures for operating during periods of adverse weather conditions like smog alerts. It establishes two levels of smog alerts - Stage II, where mobile units return to the shelter and officers are dispatched to standby locations, and Stage III, where more aggressive measures are taken like sending employees home or implementing mandatory carpooling. The goal is to continue essential services while reducing vehicle use and outdoor activity to protect human and animal health during high pollution levels.

1. Number: 300.40
SUBJECT: ADVERSE OPERATING CONDITIONS (WEATHER) Page: 1
Date: 8/17/07
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised: 6/20/12
I. PURPOSE
To ensure continuing service during periods of adverse weather conditions.
II. POLICY
Occasionally, Orange County experiences involvement in the State alerting system
generated by unhealthful levels of ozone contaminated air. The state of California
recognizes that certain restrictions must be imposed in these situations to protect human
health. Therefore, the State has devised a system of alerting the public to potential
hazards by defining a critical situation as a Stage II Smog Alert or Stage III Smog Alert.
The following will serve as guidelines for actions to be taken by Field Services upon
notification of either type of alert.
III. SCOPE
Applicable to all Animal Control Officers.
IV. FORMS
Not applicable.
V. REFERENCES
Not applicable.
VI. DEFINITIONS
Not applicable.
VII. PROCEDURE
A. Stage II Smog Alert
Upon notification of the implementation of a Stage II Smog Alert, the Watch
Commander will notify the Director of OC Animal Care, the Manager of Field
Operations and/or the Chief of Field Services. In the absence of either or all
persons, the Watch Commander will exercise independent action after verification
of alert status. This may be done by coordination with Orange County

2. Number: 300.40
SUBJECT: ADVERSE OPERATING CONDITIONS (WEATHER) Page: 2
Date: 8/17/07
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised: 6/20/12
Communication Control or by telephoning South Coast Air Quality Management
District at (909) 396-2000 and planning a course of action based on exact
information furnished by competent authority. Upon implementation of a Stage II
Smog Alert, the Watch Commander should take these actions, but not be limited
by them in case of changes in existing conditions.
1. All mobile units will return to OC Animal Care and off load any confined
animals. All animals, subsequently impounded, shall be closely observed
for indications of heat stress. Proper action shall be taken by the Animal
Control Officer (ACO) operating the mobile unit to reduce stress, e.g.,
watering, providing shade or returning animal(s) to the shelter or owner, if
known.
2. On duty ACOs will be dispatched to pre-selected stand-by locations within
their patrol area that will provide shade for humans/animals. Radio
contact must be maintained or the Officer must provide a telephone
number for the dispatcher.
3. The Watch Commander will implement a prioritized level of service
performance in order to reduce vehicle operation to an acceptable level.
These services will generally be in response to:
a. Reports of rabid animals.
b. Biting animals whose ownership cannot be immediately
determined.
c. Large livestock creating a traffic hazard.
d. Injured animals.
e. Vicious/wild/dangerous animals influencing public safety.
f. Dogs on school property.
g. Any other call considered necessary to protect human or animal
health.
B. Stage III Smog Alert
This alert posture involves a major decision by the Director of the Human Service
Agency to implement aggressive programs to protect the health of all employees.
This includes, but is not limited to, sending workers home, notifying workers not
to report to duty stations, mandatory car-pooling programs, etc. Specific authority
is required for the implementation of internal plans and will normally be relayed
through the office of the Director of OC Animal Control. To assist in notification
actions, the Field Operations personnel roster can be accessed by any Staff

3. Number: 300.40
SUBJECT: ADVERSE OPERATING CONDITIONS (WEATHER) Page: 3
Date: 8/17/07
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised: 6/20/12
Specialist or above in the Z drive under Emergency Contacts. Supervisors will
update and correct this listing as often as is required to ensure integrity of the
document.