Neighborhood Disaster Plan Template Page 16
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20A.3
SEARCH AND RESCUE ANNEX
A.3.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this annex is to detail procedures that will be followed once it is
determined that there is a need to perform a search and rescue mission in the area
following a disaster or emergency incident.
A.3.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES
Search and Rescue is really two separate activities. During the Search phase, the team
systematically inspects the area for victims. In the Rescue phase, the team aims to free
victims from confinement.
The objectives of Search and Rescue include:
Maintain rescuer safety
Rescue the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time
Rescue the lightly trapped victims first
If the neighborhood has members trained in CERT, then CERT teams will be responsible
for initiating Search and Rescue procedures and assigning teams to specific areas.
Key strategies and themes include:
Designate rescuer safety as a priority
Be alert for hazards
Wear safety equipment (hard hats, goggles, sturdy shoes)
Never enter an unstable structure
Following a disaster or during an emergency, the CERT team or other designated
leaders will assemble at the Neighborhood Gathering Place and designate Search and
Rescue Teams. One or two Disaster Animal Rescue Team (DART) members should
accompany each Search & Rescue team to ensure that animals are rescued and
cared for. Consider assigning a scribe to each Search and Rescue Team to ensure that
the proper forms are completed and that important information is documented.
Simple steps for conducting a Search
Check for red or green door tags. Red tags mean that residents are requesting
assistance.
Use the lists of “persons needing assistance” created by the neighborhood.
Conduct an initial damage assessment to identify hazard areas and prioritize Search
& Rescue operations. Search & Rescue teams should notify victims they pass during
the damage assessment that they will return to rescue them.
Call out. Begin by shouting "If you can hear my voice, come out!"
Be systematic. Use a search pattern to ensure that all areas of a building are
covered. For example, start searching on the bottom floor and work up, or move
from the right to left across a house.
Listen carefully. Stop frequently and listen for voices or tapping sounds.
[INSERT DATE, VERSION NUMBER]
[INSERT NAME OF NEIGHBORHOOD]
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