02/22/2026
After a disaster that results in structural collapse, the first priority is making the environment safe enough for rescuers to enter. That means building engineered shoring systems to stabilize damaged walls, floors, and structural elements that are still standing — but no longer trustworthy.
Once access is established, rescue specialists move in with technical tools and disciplined search techniques to locate, treat, and carefully extricate trapped victims.
Our Canine Search Teams are a force multiplier in these environments. As part of the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue system, these highly trained K9 teams work side-by-side with rescue personnel to rapidly locate live victims in complex collapse debris fields.
This week at TEEX in Texas, multiple task forces and partner agencies are training together in a full-scale exercise — building common operating procedures, strengthening coordination, and sharpening the skills that matter when real communities are counting on us.
Training together ensures that when the call comes, we respond as one unified, efficient, and life-saving team.
