Applicable Federal SAR Policy
National SAR Plan
National Response Framework
National SAR Supplement
Emergency Support Function #9
Catastrophic Incident SAR Addendum
Catastrophic Incident Annex
Availableat:
Policy Contacts
FEMA ESF-9 Director(202) 646-4530
USNORTHCOM J-35(719) 554-3867
USCG Office of Search and Rescue
(202) 372-2075
Operational Contacts
Air Force Rescue Coord. Center (AFRCC) SAR Duty Officer(850) 283-5955
NORTHCOM JPRC(850) 283-5083
-5426/5611/5021/5132/5683
FEMA Regional Response Coord. Centers
Region 1978-461-5501
Region 2212-680-8622
Region 3215-931-5757
Region 4770-220-3158
Region 5312-408-5365
Region 6940-898-5433
Region 7816-283-7600
Region 8303-235-4840
Region 9510-627-7807
Region 10425-487-4660
How to request Federal SAR resources:
- Contact local agency, military base, or AFRCC.
- Once activated, contact FEMA Regional or Joint Field Office Coordination Center
Information Needed (if known)
- Number of personsin danger
- Conditions of persons, if known; level of care needed en-route, at drop-off
- Location (lat/long, description)
- Type of pickup, if known (hoist, land)
- Environment: known hazards in area, landing areas, aerial access, weather
- Why are Federal resources needed?
(e.g. out of state assets, need special capability) - What asset do you think would best fit your need (helo, boat team, trucks)?
Coordinating Instructions (as needed)
- State SAR POC (e.g. Air Coordinator, Incident Commander, Operations Chief)
- Phone number for POC
- Radio frequencies
- Airspace/traffic rules
- Other assets on-scene, en-route
- Refueling locations
- Airports/heliports/basing
- Survivor drop-off locations
- Hospital delivery locations, if applicable
The more details provided, the better your need can be met. Do not delay your request to get all the above information if doing so will put lives in jeopardy.More information can be gathered while mobilizing assets.
JPRC SAR SMEs can help clarify your request and make sure the right assets are found.
FEDeral SAR Support
DURING
Catastrophic Incidents
The enclosed information is not policy, but represents past lessons-learned and replies to frequently-asked questionsregarding what to expect and how to obtain Federal resources forCatastrophic Incident Search and Rescue (CISAR).
Distributed by:
USNORTHCOM
Joint Personnel Recovery Center
650 Florida Ave Stop 73
Tyndall AFB, FL 32403
(850) 283-5083
“We’re here to help you
save lives!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is coordination different every time?
Every CISAR event is unique. Depending on warning time, anticipated consequences, and the number of States involved, limited Federal coordinating elements will be deployed to the location and Incident Command organization where their support will be most needed.
When should I ask for Federal support?
When your State National Guard begins reaching into EMACS, or when you have a special need that National Guard or State assets cannot fulfill. It takes time to mobilize federal assets, so the more advanced notice, the better.
Will the Feds take-over once they arrive?
Per the National Response Framework, Federal assets are to be used in support of State response. Via FEMA, Fed resources should be made available to the States to fill capability gaps and cover shortfalls.
Then why are Federal assets moving into my State without being asked?
FEMA Director Fugate’s guidance is “go big, go fast, go smart.” Since Federal assets, especially DOD assets, have significant lag time from notice to response, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officers (FCOs) moveFed assets closer to the incident area before requested so they are able torespond quickly when needed. They will not be employed for State needs until requested by the Governor or directed by the President.
Okay, then why are “Armyhelos” flying around our State without being tasked?
Federal helicopters are frequently asked to move other Federal assets within a CISAR area. It can be easier to coordinate between Federal agencies, andFCOsprefer to minimize theimpact on State resources. Federal coord-inating elements should notify States of assetmovements to increase situational awareness and safety.States should keep FEMACoordination Centers informed of their efforts for the same reason.
Who do I call to find out what Federal SAR assets are available or active?
The ESF-9 (SAR) Desk at the FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) or, when created, Joint Field Office (JFO), should be aware of all Federal SAR efforts.The Region’s Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) is aware of all DOD assets and activities.
What is the JPRC?
The Joint Personnel Recovery Center is a USNORTHCOM officecollocated with AFNORTH at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, FL that deploys SAR Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to States or Regions during catastrophic events. Their mission is to coordinate rapid response to State and Federal SAR needs by DOD SAR assets.
What is the FSARCG?
The Federal SAR Coordination Group is an ad-hoc organization activated by FEMAto coordinate between Federal agencies assigned to ESF-9 (SAR), including representatives from FEMA, Coast Guard, National Park Service, DOD, and the National Guard Bureau.
What info does the FEMA regional/national RCC or Joint Field Office (JFO) need?
The Federal role inCISAR response is to monitor the situation and provide timely resources when required. The FSARCG & FEMA Region/JFO ESF-9 Deskwill maintain awareness and forecast any shortfalls. A daily report of State SAR activities will help ensure Federal assets are employed where they’re most needed and in a timely manner. This is frequently the most difficult information to maintain current during a catastrophic event.
Who should I call to get Federal SAR resources?
In a no-notice event, you can call a local military unit or federal agency directly to request support under their existing authorities (e.g. Coast Guard) or Commander’s Immediate Response Authority. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) can assist with this if needed.Once it has been activated, the FEMA Region or JFO ESF-9 Desk is your first step for most requests. Requests for DOD assets will be routed through the Region’s DCO.
What can be provided?
Federal SAR assets include hoist-equipped, MEDEVAC, and utility helicopters; Coast Guard flood-water boat teams; personnel, vehicles, &equipment; and specially-trained teams such asAir Force Pararescue and FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams. The ESF-9 Desk will have visibility on what capabilities are available.
Who pays?
Federal SAR response is covered under the FEMA Mission Assignment (MA) process. Some SAR is fully Federal under existing agency authority (e.g. Coast Guard, Park Service) or can be executed on a not-to-interfere basis (DOD). After a Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act, Federal & DOD support is usually split 75% Fed, 25% State per the normal MA process. This may be changed by the President.
What’s the second most important thing during CISAR?
After saving lives,communication. Good information is the hardest thing to obtain and maintain during a catastrophic event, especially in the first hours and days. Establish contacts, and keep information flowing up and down.