Urban Search and Rescue

North Carolina's Urban Search and Rescue Regional Response system provides a quick disaster response in searching and rescuing victims. 

The Urban Search and Rescue Program began in 2001 to respond to every kind of disaster anywhere at anytime in North Carolina.  The teams can provide almost immediate relief to victims and the communities they live in.  Statistics show that 90% of all savable victims of disaster are saved within the first few hours of an incident.  Regional USAR teams provide almost immediate relief to the victims and the communities they live in through the rapid deployment of properly trained and equipped search and rescue personnel.  All training and equipment for the USAR Teams is standardized across the state.  The task forces located in the larger metropolitan areas of Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham, and Greenville are self-sustaining for a period of 7-10 days with independent sheltering capability.

North Carolina classifies two different disaster team needs as Type II or Type I, depending on the level of training and equipment needed. Both teams train to the Structural Collapse Technician level.  At a minimum, both teams maintain set skills, training, equipment, and capable personnel to respond to a disaster.  Based on the location and type of incident, the State Emergency Operations Center identifies the nearest Type II or Type I team to deploy.

Under the direction of the Division of Emergency Management, Urban Search and Rescue teams help communities that have been overwhelmed by the effects of natural or manmade disasters and have exhausted local and neighboring jurisdiction's resources.

« this page last modified 11/04/08 »