By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter
KINGSTON (WATE) - Wednesday's exotic animal escape in Ohio has many people in East Tennessee concerned.
Tiger Haven, a rescue facility outside Kingston, has more than 200 tigers. That makes many people wonder what would happen if the tigers escaped.
A plan was prepared last year to address that issue.
"We have been working with emergency management agency in Roane County and prior to that with different types of scenarios," said Dan Hicks, a spokesman with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
It wasn't until October 2010 that Roane County officials came up with an emergency plan in case the tigers got loose.
One of the first actions in the plan is to call residents who live near Tiger Haven.
"I think when we first moved here, we had a little bit of apprehension, but my husband has actually been in there and done some heating and air conditioning work," said Elizabeth Hamilton, who lives on the same road as Tiger Haven. "He said it seemed really safe."
TWRA officials inspect Tiger Haven twice a year and also do several surprise inspections.
If there is an escape, state and county officials will set up an inner and outer perimeter and then bring in specialized officers who know how to use tranquilizer guns.
"We don't worry about it, and the kids don't seem like they worry about it," said Hamilton. "My three-year-old says monsters are in there."
Those who live near Tiger Haven just hope the plan never has to be used.
