Ittoqqortoormiit had a visit from the Beredskabsstyrelsen (Danish Emergency Management Agency or DEMA), a Danish government agency whose directive comes from the Danish Ministry of Defence. DEMA's mission is "…to cushion the effects of accidents and disasters on society and to prevent harm to people, property and the environment". Our visit was from the Nuclear Division.
Ittoqqortoormiit has joined the rest of planet now that airborne radioactive pollution is being monitored here to let us know if (or when) the world blows itself up with its nuclear this, that and the other. Because we are so remote, we were last settlement in Greenland to have these new safeguard precautions.
I asked the officer (a very good-natured and enthusiastic fellow) what we have to do in the event of disaster. He said I would be instructed by the local police, who would be co-ordinating with DEMA, and depending on the circumstances could include it being a good idea to stay inside my house. And what of my dogs? He said that it would be a good idea to bring them inside too. Yogi, Stunner, Blimey and Proper all thought this was wonderful news and can’t wait for imminent disaster.
I would do anything for my dogs but I can’t stop thinking that 19 sled dogs in the six by four metre floor space of my 1920s Greenlandic house is a recipe for disaster of another kind.
Hold on. What's that? It's Yogi, he's now calling for a practise drill.
Loads (my main lead dog) is calling for everyone to keep calm. And Girly is trying to stabilise the situation by saying help is on the way. Too late. Yogi is now brandishing an axe. Oh dear, I have to go....
For more information about Gary and his dogs go to www.garyrolfe.com
Well, at least you'd all be very snug in there!
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