A Community Animal Response Team Enhances Cortez Emergency Preparedness

During emergencies like wildfires, Cortez-area residents often face the difficult choice between evacuating to safety or staying behind to protect their animals, a problem Montezuma County’s emergency manager identified as a critical gap in local disaster response. After coming up with a solution, he reached out to LOR for support. LOR's funding will help Montezuma County purchase specialized equipment and provide training for a new community animal response team, which will assist with evacuating both pets and livestock during emergencies. Coordinated through the Montezuma County CSU Extension office, this volunteer team will give residents peace of mind knowing they can evacuate safely with their animals—creating a more resilient community better prepared for wildfires and other threats.