Starting a Search Team Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project
Logical Steps to Starting a Search Team Determine the local interest Train regularly as a team Develop an alert roster Accumulate basic equipment Wear your Uniform Assign Jobs Run training exercises Get to know your SAR community Advertise
Determine local interest Find out who is truly interested Assess those who are interested carefully Physically capable Past performance indicators Don’t burn your bridges
Train Regularly as a Team Establish core training for all personnel Are you serious? Legal defense Plan for advanced training that meets certification requirements CAP requirements Local requirements
Develop an Alert Roster Collect Contact information Distribute to team members Update the roster regularly Practice callouts monthly
Accumulate Basic Equipment Centrally located team equipment Equipment for new members Limited resources can’t just be given away Don’t be afraid to use it when necessary Purchase equipment based on true needs for the team to meet the mission
Wear your Uniform Communicates serious nature of team Provides for recognition by other agencies Required for FTCA/FECA coverage Required by CAP Regulations
Assign Jobs Are key functions filled? Train personnel for multiple specialties Train at least two members to be able to set up an ICP until specialized searchers arrive
Run Training Exercises Train for the full mission, not just targeted segments Make sure the responsible agencies know that you are training Don’t train alone Other CAP units Outside agencies
Get to know Your SAR Community Statewide SAR Organizations Ask for help Join local SAR councils and attend their meetings Establish MOUs and Joint Operating Plans
Advertise Let the community know you are available Update the local responsible agencies Don’t oversell your team Make sure your operations are coordinated with your superiors They are ultimately responsible at the local level They won’t use you unless they know you
QUESTIONS? THINK SAFETY