Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

Welcome to this issue of the Washington State Animal Response Team's monthly newsletter! Find out what thePresident has to say, what deployments we've been on, where the next meetings will be, and where we'll be withupcoming events. View this email in your browser

Season’s GreetingsRescue Update: LagerDrones in Search andRescueCharitable Deductions forAnimal Rescue VolunteersYear End Tax Deductionsor Monthly RecurringDonations Can Help SaveLivesNew Experiences for Ropeswith ExperienceHandcrafted Holiday Cardsand Ornaments2017 Training Dates

In a large animalrescue, much of themore expensiveequipment needs tobe replaced for safetyreasons.

It's only possiblebecause of you.

General Meetings

March 8, 2017Milton Public Library900 Meridian Avenue EastMilton, WA 98354

From The President

Season’s Greetings

This month, we had an update from Lager, seenhere, and his family. Check out the story below forthe details.

Happy December all,

Washington is well on its way to another wet andcold winter. Thankfully, we're as prepared as wecan be for what may come.

Our 10th anniversary is coming up, and we've gotsome great things in the works -- stay tuned!

In whatever way you celebrate this season, mayyou be surrounded by those you love and may youcreate many happy memories. If you're looking forgifts, WASART has several great items for theanimal lovers in your life.

Donate

Subscribe Share Past Issues RSSTranslate

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

(entrance at rear of library)

June 14, 2017King County Office ofEmergency Management3511 NE 2nd StreetRenton, WA 98056

September 13, 2017Shoreline Fire DepartmentStation 6117525 Aurora Avenue NorthSeattle, WA 98133

December 13, 2017King County Office ofEmergency Management3511 NE 2nd StreetRenton, WA 98056

The General Meetings are heldfrom 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. The firsthour is spent on WASARTbusiness and the final hour isa mini-training or discussionsession on a subject of interestto members. And, of course,some social time, too. AllGeneral Meetings are open tothe public and everyone isinvited to attend.

Upcoming trainingRegister athttp://bit.ly/WASART2017

Open HouseJanuary 7, 201710:00 - noonSearch & Rescue FacilityTaylors Landing5506 Old Machias RoadSnohomish, WA 98290

FundamentalsFebruary 4, 20178:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Location TBD

Animal Handing& AssessmentMarch 25, 20178:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Location TBD

Emergency Animal

Sending you all my best for a very happy and safemonth and thanking you all for your continuedsupport of WASART and the animal communitieswe serve!

Shawndra MichellPresident

Rescue Update: Lager

Lager, a Leonberger adopted from the HumaneSociety, needed our assistance last year. We got achance to visit with him during the membershipmeeting. Read more about Lager's rescue on ourFacebook album or the newsletter from June 2015.

We received a call for a dog in a ravine on MemorialDay of 2015. Lager had spent his life playing in theravine (as evidenced by ancient squeaky toysresponders found near where he lay) but thirteen-year-old Lager's age and health had caught up withhim.

After Lager's rescue, he was taken immediately tothe emergency veterinarian clinic. Lager alreadyhad diabetes and had spent the night without hismedication. At the clinic, vets discovered Lager wasin the early stages of lymphoma. The early detectionand chemotherapy meant Lager had a better

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

ShelteringApril 22, 20178:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Location TBD

May 13, 2017Transport9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Location TBD

Open House (repeat)August 27, 201710:00 - noonLocation TBD

Fundamentals (repeat)September 17, 20178:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Location TBD

Animal Handling &Assessment(repeat)October 1, 20178:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Location TBD

Annual ExerciseOctober 14, 20179:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Enumclaw Expo Center45224 284th Ave SEEnumclaw, WA 98022

Did you know we'reoften available totalk to your groupabout WASART ordisaster prep?

Mission Statement

To help animals and theirowners through disasterpreparedness, education,and emergency response.

chance at survival.

Lager and his family were guests at our December14 General Membership Meeting in Shoreline, WA.Lager's family had donated after his rescue and wenamed a Cascade rescue litter after him. We'dinvited them to the dedication and we toasted to hiscontinued health with sparkling apple cider.

Today, Lager is in remission and we were all veryexcited to visit with him at the meeting. As a bonus,many of the members attending the meeting wereon the team who rescued him.

Lager and family pose in front of the the litternamed after our favorite Memorial Day rescue.

Drones in Search and Rescue

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

Drones, an often-suggested tool for dangeroussituations, offer great potential but also bring upimportant issues in regards to usage during Searchand Rescue missions. Photo by NicolasHalftermeyer, licensed under the CreativeCommons 3.0

We were fortunate to have Garth Bruce of SeattleMountain Rescue give a presentation on drones atthe WASART General Membership Meeting thatwas held December 14.

While the use of drones in Search and Rescue(SAR) operations has great potential, there aresome issues that will need to be addressed. Thefirst being local, state, and federal laws, which canbe complex and contradictory. These laws aremeant to both insure public safety and protectprivacy. In addition, the Federal AviationAdministration (FAA) regulates use of airspace andthe rules for drones are not yet well defined. Lastly,public reaction to the use of drones must be takeninto account, although Mr. Bruce related that publicperception of SAR operations is generally favorable.

Drones have a number of capabilities that will bevaluable to SAR and WASART. The machines areequipped with cameras, ranging from simple ones tocomplex units with night vision. This provides amobile viewpoint, with live video on a responder'stablet or laptop. Often the drones are capable oftraveling “as the crow flies” to get to a location fasterthan people on foot. They can also hover at cliffsideto locate and observe a victim — human or animal,limiting responders’ exposure to dangeroussituations. More advanced drones, of the type thatSAR would use, also have the capability todetermine their location and can even automaticallyfly search patterns.

It seems clear that, once the legalities andoperational procedures are hammered out, thesetechnological wonders will be a great tool for

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

responders.

Further reading on the technicalaspects: Supporting Search and Rescue Operationswith UAVs.

Charitable Deductions for AnimalRescue Volunteers

WASART members at a technical rescue training.

Many of you volunteer to help raise funds orperform other tasks on behalf of animal-rescuegroups and other charitable organizations. Whenthe annual reckoning with the Internal RevenueService rolls around, the reward for your willingnessto help out can take the form of write-offs forunreimbursed expenses. To qualify, the expenses inquestion must further the groups’ missions, such asfoster care for stray animals.

Remember that if you are a WASART volunteer andyou respond to a deployment that has been issuedan Incident/DEM number by the State EmergencyManagement Department, you can put in a claimwith the State EMD for lodging, meals, ferry andfuel expenses through the process and specializedforms discussed during the Legalities segment ofyour Fundamentals training. Washington StateSearch & Rescue volunteers follow the same

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

process and use the same forms. More informationand the forms are available from your Team Lead.

As an animal-rescue volunteer, you need to bemindful of tricky rules for donations, whether theytake the form of gifts of cash, property, or volunteerexpenses. What follows is a summary of the manypossibilities.

Only Out-of-Pocket Outlays Count

The law allows volunteers to claim itemizeddeductions on Schedule A of Form 1040 only forwhat you spend to cover unreimbursed expenses—for instance, telephone calls, postage stamps andstationery, as well as other materials (say, toprepare posters or other forms of advertising forfund-raising campaigns).

What kinds of expenses can rescue workers writeoff at tax time? Some examples of qualifyingoutlays that are frequently overlooked: animal feed,medicines, cat litter, litter boxes, pet dishes,cleaning supplies, garbage bags, paper towels,laundry detergent and dish detergent; animalbedding, animal toys, fees paid to veterinarians andtrainers, and food for volunteers building temporaryshelters for pets evacuated from flood zones inhurricanes.

Forget About Deducting Your Time

While deductions are allowed for gifts of property,the IRS doesn’t consider your services to qualify as“property.” Nor does the law allow you to claimanything for the use of your home or office toconduct meetings: that, too, isn’t a contribution of“property.”

Uniforms

Some organizations require volunteers to wearuniforms. Because these uniforms aren’t adaptableto ordinary wear, deductions are allowed for their

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

cost and cleaning.

Travel

An often missed outlay begins the moment that youleave your home. Your allowable deductions includetravel expenses to and from animal shelters,veterinarians, committee meetings, fundraisingevents, and so on. If you travel to and from yourvolunteer work by planes, trains, buses, or taxis,just make sure to keep track of your fares and claimthem as travel expenses.

If you use your own auto, you have two options forhandling the expenses: The first option is to deductthe actual cost of gas and oil. Unlike write-offs forbusiness driving, you can’t claim depreciationbecause that isn’t an actual cash payment. Nor canyou claim insurance and repairs unless you use thecar only for charitable driving or the repairs aredirectly attributable to that use.

The second option is to make the paperwork simplerby claiming a standard mileage rate. The standardrate is 14 cents a mile for tax year 2016, unchangedsince 1997, as set by law.

Whether you use the mileage allowance or drive agas guzzler and claim actual costs, remember todeduct parking fees and bridge or highway tolls, aswell. It’s a good idea, in case an IRS examinerquestions your charitable travel, to be able tosupport your deductions with a glove compartmentdiary in which you record why and how far youwent, as well as what you spend on parking. Youdon’t have to use the same car each time and canuse more than one car at the same time. If you rentan auto and drive it only for charitable travel,include the entire rental charge with your othercharitable expenses.

Overnight Expenses

When volunteer work requires that you be away

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

from home overnight, your deductions also includelodgings and meals as long as they’re “reasonable,”as opposed to “lavish or extravagant.” Note thatthese meals are 100 percent deductible, unlikebusiness meals, which are only 50 percentdeductible.

An example: You can deduct these expenses whenyou attend an organization’s convention as a dulyappointed delegate. But you can’t deduct for suchpersonal expenses as sightseeing or movie tickets.Nor are you allowed to deduct travel or otherexpenses incurred by your spouse or children.

To back up your deductions in the event of an IRSaudit, save a copy of the convention program andcheck off the sessions that you attend as adelegate. Sign an attendance book for any sessionsthat provide one. Keep a diary of your conventionrelated expenses, along with hotel and restaurantbills.

IRS Paperwork

Strict rules apply when a volunteer incurs anunreimbursed expense of $250 or more, such as anairline ticket. No deduction for the outlay ispermitted unless you obtain and keep for yourrecords a written statement from the charity. Thestatement needs to describe the type of servicesyou performed for the charity and whether youreceived any benefits in return. The charity needn’tlist the expenses you pay as a volunteer.

Audits

Rescue workers might avoid the bother of audits byincluding brief explanations with their returns. Theirstatements should explain how deduction amountswere arrived at.

They shouldn’t over-explain, cautions the IRS. Itwants them to be concise and attach somesupporting evidence, but not every receipt. They

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

should attach copies, not originals, because thedocuments may become separated from theirreturns. Hold off on submitting originals until theagency actually asks for proof of deductions. TheIRS doesn’t allow electronic filing of Form 1040swith attachments. Submit paper 1040s.

Help from the IRS

For more information, take a look at IRS Publication526, Charitable Contributions, or telephone 800-TAX-FORM.

Article adapted from writing by Julian Block,attorney and author, Pet News and Views.

Year End Tax Deductions or MonthlyRecurring Donations Can Help SaveLives

The end of 2016 is quickly approaching. It’s not toolate to maximize your tax breaks by donating toWASART, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Ingeneral, a tax deduction is worth more now thanlater, and accountants highly recommend charitable

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

donations as a way to make the most of the income-tax system. After reviewing your taxes with a professional,please let WASART figure substantially in yourgiving. We have capital equipment needs and on-going funding requirements. Your donations arecontinuously needed, carefully spent, and addsignificant value to our human and animalcommunities. WASART prides itself on the fact that 98.5% of thedonations it receives on a credit or debit card and100% of cash and in-kind donations go directly toour programs and supporting items such as rescuesupplies and equipment, training for WASARTmembers and the general public, advanced trainingfor WASART's Technical Rescue Team members,and general operating expenses such insurance,license fees for WASART's truck, corral paneltrailer, supplies and equipment trailers, deploymentsoftware expenses, etc. For your ease, allow us to help you set up amonthly donation program that will adapt itselfpursuant to your wishes and requirements for thenext 12 months. Your cash-flow is evened out, andat the end of the tax year, you will have set asidewhat you require for optimum tax planning. Formore information on how to financially helpWASART meet its goals of assisting thecommunities we serve, please contactinfo@washingtonsart.org or just hit the 'Donate'button at our website www.washingtonsart.org foran immediate donation.

New Experiences for Ropes withExperience

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

Retired ropes are now leashes made by WASARTvolunteers.

When it comes to dog leashes, WASART hascreated something any four-legged friend would beproud to wear. Handcrafted by fellow WASARTmembers, these leashes were made from retiredrescue ropes used by our technical rescue team.Once a lifeline between our team and an animal indistress, they can now be the lifeline between youand your pet. Each leash has a high quality boltsnap on one end with a sturdy handle on the other,reinforced with stitching and paracord whipping.With two sizes and four colors to choose from, thereare plenty of options for everyone. During a season where we count our blessings, wecan’t help but think back on the many reunionsbetween animal and owner, animals like Tucker,that may have found themselves on the other end of

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

these ropes, and recognize that none of it would bepossible without you. Thank you. Tucker's owner sent us this update: "Thank you somuch for your help is rescuing our 16 year oldAustralian Cattle Dog mix, Tucker, from the ravinebehind our home last year. He's doing amazinglywell for a 16 year old and we now have a fence inplace so that he can continue to roam around theback yard without worrying about hisbalance/eyesight and hearing issues."

Supplies are very limited. Check them out: here.

Handcrafted Holiday Cards andOrnaments

Handmade ornaments are available for the holidays!

WASART is bringing its custom-designed holidaycards and ornaments back on line, just in time to getyour orders in for the season. The matte velvet

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

finish on the card lends a professional touch whilethe design evokes a handmade quality. Theornaments are beautiful in their simplicity and wouldlend character to any tree. Now available onlinewhile supplies last.

2017 Training Dates

Open House – January 7th, August 27th (noregistration needed)Fundamentals – February 4th, September 17th(repeat)Animal Handling & Assessment – March 25th,October 1st (repeat)Sheltering – April 22ndTransport – May 13thAnnual Exercise – October 21st (tentative)Technical Rescue – Monthly, contact the TechnicalRescue Chair for info

Register for 2017You can register for 2017's trainingsat http://bit.ly/WASART2017. Questions? Checkwith Training Director.

P.S. We have exemptions for veterinarians andsearch and rescue members. Check withthe Training Director for details.

Should WASART use drones? -- December Newsletter 2016

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd570a678215e854c6d8a0b44&id=7ddd34084d&e=baeda13dba[12/23/16, 2:09:23 PM]

WASART NEWS is a publication of the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART) publishedon or about the 15th of each month. WASART is an all-volunteer, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Mail usat: WASART, P.O. Box 21, Enumclaw, WA 98022.

info@washingtonsart.org - www.washingtonsart.org • (425) 681-5498

Copyright © 2016 Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART), All rights reserved.unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences