1. Starting a Search Team
Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Develop an Alert Roster
Collect Contact information
Distribute to team members
Update the roster regularly
Practice callouts monthly

6. 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

7. Wear your Uniform Communicates serious nature of team
Provides for recognition by other agencies
Required for FTCA/FECA coverage
Required by CAP Regulations

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. QUESTIONS?
THINK SAFETY