Starting a Search Team

Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

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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
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Determine local interest

Find out who is truly interested Assess those who are interested carefully
Physically capable Past performance indicators

Dont burn your bridges

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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
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Develop an Alert Roster

Collect Contact information Distribute to team members Update the roster regularly Practice callouts monthly

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Accumulate Basic Equipment

Centrally located team equipment Equipment for new members
Limited resources cant just be given away Dont be afraid to use it when necessary

Purchase equipment based on true needs for the team to meet the mission

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Wear your Uniform

Communicates serious nature of team Provides for recognition by other agencies Required for FTCA/FECA coverage Required by CAP Regulations

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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

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Run Training Exercises

Train for the full mission, not just targeted segments Make sure the responsible agencies know that you are training Dont train alone
Other CAP units Outside agencies
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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

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Advertise
Let the community know your available Update the local responsible agencies Dont oversell your team Make sure your operations are coordinated with your superiors
They are ultimately responsible at the local level They wont use you unless they know you
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QUESTIONS

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