URBAN SEARCH & RESCUE SECTION MEMORANDUM FOR: FROM: National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Task Force Leaders / Program Managers Mike Tamillow US&R Section Chief DATE: 25 September 2006 RE: US&R Program Directive 2006-018 US&R Search Marking Labels ISSUE STATEMENT US&R task forces undertook extensive search operations during the 2004 and the 2005 hurricane seasons. Search teams are often required to mark search information on a wide variety of building materials. The use of a pre-printed and standardized label would be a benefit to task force members during US&R mission operations. The US&R Operations Group has provided the attached recommendation developed by the Search Work Group. REQUIRED ACTIONS Task forces are now authorized to purchase and produce the labels identified in the attached Operations Group recommendation using the.pdf file for printing two labels on a full-sheet peeland-stick label. The label should then be cut in half producing two separate search marking labels. Task forces should use available Cooperative Agreement funds to procure the items as necessary. Task forces should use these labels during search operations in accordance with established marking procedures. APPROVAL Issue is approved for Program implementation: Signed: Mike Tamillow / US&R Section Chief 25 September 2006 Date Implementation Date: 25 September 2006 Completion Date: N/A
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20472 FOR: FROM: Mike Tamillow US&R Section Chief Tim Gallagher Operations Group Chair SUBJECT: Operations Group Recommendation # SEA 06-01 DATE: September 10, 2006 The following is a recommendation was brought to the Operations Group for approval. The Operations Group voted to approve the recommendations and move it forward for approval and implementation. ISSUE STATEMENT In order to expedite and reduce redundant search operations in large area disasters, there is a need to provide a rapid and clear search marking for Task Forces and other agencies. GENERAL BACKGROUND During the 2005 Hurricane season large areas (20,000+ structures) were searched Large amounts of spray paint were used with varying visual effect Inconsistent markings were found or missed due to multiple agencies making markings Outside agencies were doing incomplete searches and marking as complete when no entry was made. Spray paint did not allow for indicating areas searched on incomplete searches Multiple searches were done on structures due to inaccurate search information Search operations were redundant and has negative effect on task force members RECOMMENDATION(s) Provide a marking system that provides outside agencies with information to apply a consistent FEMA search marking. Provide a high visibility Peel-N-Stick label that can be applied to windows of structures indicating the appropriate search marking. Peel-N-Stick label can be produced at the Task Force level dependent on need.
Operations Group Recommendation Page Two ATTACHMENTS Cache addition for labels PDF file for Task Forces to print labels Construction of labels Application of Use PROGRAM IMPACTS / DOCUMENTATION CHANGES Positive program impact due to the productive search operations. Better utilization of resources Addition of a search marking file document Update courses, training materials and references ALLIED WORK GROUP COORDINATION REQUIRED FEMA US&R Operations Work Group and Program Office. Logistics Work Group Command and General Staff TIMETABLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION Request immediate approval and distribution
Operations Group Voting for Operations Group Recommendation # SEA 06-01 Accountability C&GS Communications IST Legal Issues Logistics Operations SEA 06-01 Medical Public Affairs Rescue Search Training WMD Technical S/C Canine S/C TFL Rep East TFL Rep Central TFL Rep West TFL Rep Operations
SEARCH LABEL CONSTRUCTION The labels are easily produced by the task force from the PDF file provided using printers (laser or ink jet). See label type in the Equipment Cache List form on the previous page. They may also be copied using a copy machine. (get a good copy using a printer) The label is kept generic so it can be handed off to other agencies ( military, state resources etc.). The label is printed as a full sheet, then folded in half and cut to make two separate labels. Labels then can fit into a BDU pocket.