2012-10-02 Mock/Exercise plan/Searchers exercise information

Exercise Information - Searchers

As in all exercises, if you have a real emergency while part of this mock, call into the command post using the "no duff" expression.

The old command post (bus) and the fire hall is off limits except to retrieve equipment. We are testing how well the new command post and other facilities (equipment trailer, tent) meet our needs. If you need to get briefed, get warm, just have a place to hang out, ask at the command post where that's supposed to happen.

The mock ends by 21:30. Be back at the firehall by then or earlier if the search ends. There will be a short critique inside the fire hall.

This mock search is limited to the Town of Pincher Creek and its surrounding urban fringe. The overhead team will have specific clues and others will develop which further focus the search area.

You can search any public spaces in and around town (streets, back alleys, public parking lots, parks, undeveloped areas). If in doubt, contact the command post.

You will find a few houses that have green Search and Rescue flagging tape tied to the front door handle. These people have agreed to be part of the mock. Knock on the door and explain who you are searching for. Ask if they've seen anything. Ask if you can search their yard and/or out buildings. Ask them to search their own house (don't go in) -- they don't actually have to do this. If no one is home, assume you have permission to search their yards (you do).

Yards that don't have flagging tape can't be entered. You can and should look into the yards as any passerby could.

Any members of the public you encounter should be talked to as you would in a normal search. Tell them that you are taking part in a search and rescue exercise and who you are looking for. They may be planted witnesses or they may not be part of the exercise but nevertheless have seen something useful.

You should wear your SAR ID, jackets or traffic vests for clear visibility and easy recognizability.