FEMA USAR Facts
This number of specialists, including search, rescue, and medical experts, make up a full FEMA Type 1 US&R task force.
What is 70?
This year saw the birth of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department by action of the County Board of Supervisors.
(What is 1949?)
INSARAG stands for this international group that coordinates USAR efforts.
(What is International Search and Rescue Advisory Group?)
This South American city's capital is Brasilia, not Rio de Janeiro.
(What is Brazil?)
If you were a firefighter, I'd fake this just to see you rush in.
(What is a fire alarm?)
For many in their 30s and 40s, "going out" now means this instead of clubbing.
(What is grocery shopping?)
FEMA US&R task forces can deploy within this many hours of activation.
What is six?
This Northern Virginia town formed the county's first fire department in 1903 with a hand-drawn chemical wagon.
(What is Vienna?)
INSARAG was established in this year following major earthquake disasters.
(What is 1991?)
This massive canine breed is known as the tallest in the world.
(What is the Great Dane?)
Stop, drop, and this—because you're on fire!
(What is roll?)
The millennial mantra: Being in your 30s and constantly feeling this.
(What is tired?)
This is the typical duration in days for a FEMA US&R mission focused on lifesaving operations.
(What is 6-10?)
As of 2023, FCFRD has approximately this many uniformed members, making it Virginia's largest.
(What is 1,510?)
INSARAG guidelines target countries hit by these events causing large-scale structural collapse, like earthquakes.
(What are sudden-onset disasters?)
This marine mammal is the loudest animal on Earth, clocking in at over 200 decibels.
(What is the sperm whale?)
What the firefighter said when the church caught on fire.
(What is "Holy smoke!"?)
This adult struggle: Handling it less well as you age, leading to next-day regrets after just one drink.
(What is alcohol?)
FEMA maintains this many Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces nationwide.
(What is 28?)
In 1949, Fairfax County FD hired these for the first time, blending with volunteers.
(What are career firefighters?)
INSARAG sets these for international USAR teams to ensure effective coordination.
(What are minimum standards?)
The Berlin Wall fell in this year, marking a pivotal end to the Cold War era.
(What is 1989?)
This has more problems than a math book, according to firefighter humor.
(What is the fire service?)
Kids dream of this adult perk, but it's really just paying bills and doing laundry.
(What is freedom?)
These three color-named teams rotate as FEMA's Incident Support Teams for US&R operations.
(What are Red, White, and Blue?)
On this date in 1963, the modern Fairfax County Fire Service officially began operations.
(What is October 1?)
In 2023, INSARAG partnered with UNESCO and ICCROM to issue guidelines for USAR at these culturally sensitive locations.
(What are heritage sites?)
This Egyptian structure is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
(What is the Great Pyramid of Giza?)
The difference between a lieutenant and a vacuum? This is where the dirt bag sits.
(What is on the outside?)
At 40-50, excitement shifts from parties to this household milestone.
(What is a good night's sleep?)