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Renovating animal facilities to withstand disasters
Jim Cartwright1, Jim Contratto, Nathan Gould
1HERA Laboratory Planners, St. Louis, MO.
Lab Animal
|September 21, 2013
Summary
Planning for laboratory animal facilities after disasters like Superstorm Sandy is crucial. This study outlines strategies for designing new vivariums and renovating existing ones to improve disaster resilience and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Disaster Preparedness
Background:
- Superstorm Sandy highlighted the vulnerability of laboratory animal facilities to natural disasters.
- Existing vivariums require specific strategies for disaster mitigation and recovery.
- New construction offers more flexibility for incorporating resilience features than renovations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the need for improved disaster planning in laboratory animal facilities.
- To provide guidance on designing resilient new vivariums.
- To outline strategies for retrofitting existing facilities to withstand and recover from disasters.
Main Methods:
- Evaluating potential disaster risks for renovated facilities.
- Developing tailored design strategies based on risk assessment.
- Comparing the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of new construction versus renovation.
Main Results:
- New vivarium designs can readily incorporate disaster resilience features.
- Renovating existing facilities presents unique challenges and higher costs.
- A systematic approach to risk assessment is key for effective design strategies.
Conclusions:
- Proactive planning and design are essential for laboratory animal facility disaster resilience.
- Renovation requires careful consideration of site-specific constraints for effective mitigation.
- Implementing appropriate design strategies enhances a facility's ability to withstand and recover from disasters.
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