What Door the Door Markings Mean? Urban Search and Rescue

As far as USAR (urban search and rescue) is concerned -- one problem is keeping track of your search teams and what has and has not been searched. Keeping track multiple individual teams searching multiple areas in the wake of a large scale disaster is nearly impossible -- so shortcuts have been devised over the years to make the job easier.
One such trick is the use of the "FEMA marking system" -- this is a standardized marking system that allows for easy tracking of a search is in progress, how many times a building was searched, what was found, and to alert responders of dangerous conditions.
It is easy to train, simple to use, and only requires a paint can or similar marking device.
Basically:
As the search begins, the team paints a single diagonal slash to indicate that a search in the building is in progress. This is used to indicate searcher locations and to avoid duplication of the search effort.
Once the team comes out they paint another slash to complete an "X" to show the search complete.
At the top of the slash the searcher marks the time and date they left the building
At the bottom of the "X" the total number or victims inside is marked, it is changed as the remains are removed
To the left of the "X" the Team searching writes their ID
To the Right of the "X" they write what they found (i.e. Haz-Mat) and any other pertinent information
It is important to note, that this is not the only similar code, there is also an international USAR code system that is similar, as well as a building inspector box code to show if a building is safe to enter.
Lastly, searchers should take care to place the signs on walls, as doors or windows can be opened or closed, which may obscure the markings.
Hopefully you will never need to know this information, but if you need it, I hope this helps.

[sirwalter]

when you make the first slash you should mark I'd and date, time entered on left. If the x is not complete other teams will know you did not come out and how long ago you entered. Good info though.

[mcarroll]

used more than my fair share of those in New Orleans and surrounding areas post Katrina.

[pjsparkle]

had a flood and seen markings around, I finally can read them

[kgyts]

The format for the date is 3 Aug 2017

[worldcatloversheavenwatcht]

I do this everytime I go downstairs to feed my pet lion

[AMYBIERHAUS]

I watched a different video which showed they make only the first slash mark of the X, then putting the date and time they ENTERED the dwelling at the top, then filling in the second quadrant with the law enforcement and their ID number, ex SAPD 1/1. (would FEMA mark FEMA, and would they have a unit # they would use? Any idea what?) As they EXIT the dwelling, they then make the other side of the "X" then write the number of live and/or dead persons found in the 3rd quadrant (as you illustrated) but what if they find no one? Would they put a 0 there? And if they found no hazards, would a 0 be placed in the 4th quadrant? And would it be a regular number zero (and would it have the slash mark through it as some are taught to do in math) or would they WRITE out the word "zero"? Thanks for any help.

[GWAYGWAY]

What are marks that show who is to dragged off for FEMA. internment camp or shot on the spot, or who is left alone????

[whoever]

We get earthquakes over here so I wouldn't know what to put for which team I was in because, if I get out and I hear someone else needs help, I'm going to go in and try to help them. I was a firefighter when I was younger but I wasn't part of a larger search and rescue team other than being part of the crew at my station. So, since I wasn't specifically trained on this, I wouldn't want to leave that part blank in case a more trained team comes along because I'd want them to know that someone searched and here's what we found, while letting them know that I likely lack sufficient training to make the kind of professional search that they would make. I guess, for now, maybe I'd write, "neighbor, " or, "civilian, " because I'd hate to miss someone because I didn't perform the kind of search that training would teach one how to do (although I was damn good at this maze box where you had to crawl around in the pitch black with your partner and not run out of air. Her and I were the only ones who did it the first time with lots of air in our tanks to spare.

[HAMIDPP]

Does that marking is unified in USAR's around the world ?

[TheNewVocal]

Good afternoon from Singapore! Wish you'd have a nice day =)