Clear standards for marking searched structures are an important part of the process. There are two systems in widespread use, INSARG and FEMA.

INSARAG[edit]

Internationally, markings on searched structures usually use the International Search & Rescue Advisory Group marking system:^[6]

• A 1 meter by 1 meter square with G or N (for go or no-go), the team conducting the search, the date and time of the start of the search, and the date and time of the completion of the search written inside.
• The number of live victims removed is written to the left of the square. The number of dead victims found is written to the right of the square. Persons unaccounted for and/or location of other victims is written below the square.
• Additional information on hazards pertaining to the structure is written above the square.
• Any reference to building floor numbers use ground as G, 1 as the first floor above G, B1 as the first floor below G, and so forth. This is contrasted with US floor numbering, that starts with 1 as the ground level.
• When the team has cleared the building to the best of its ability, a circle is drawn around the square.
• When the building has been confirmed clear, a horizontal line is drawn through the entire marking.
• INSARAG marking squares should be written in day-glo orange.

FEMA[edit]

In the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) use a different marking system on searched structures, as follows:^[7]

• A single diagonal slash indicates that a search in the building is in progress. This is used to indicate searcher locations and to avoid duplication of the search effort.
• An X inside a square means Dangerous - Do Not Enter!
• An X with writing around it means Search Completed, with the time (and the date if appropriate) written above the X, the team conducting the search written to the left side of the X, the results of the search (number of victims removed, number of dead, type of search such as primary or secondary) written below the X, and any additional information noted about the structure to the right of the X.

These x-codes^[8] are used in a variety of situations and were prolific (and adopted and modified by other agencies) during post-Katrina operations. ..... .... Login with Google and support us
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