Deploying SAR resources

Consider the environment

Before deploying SAR resources, you need to consider the environment. Consult a person with expertise in the environment if you need to.

Consider the weather

Before deploying SAR resources, you need to consider:

• current weather conditions
• forecast weather conditions
• past weather conditions.

Check weather reports regularly throughout the SAR operation. If possible, you should also compare weather reports with the local conditions experienced by informants or SAR resources in the area.

Consider the effect of the weather on the subject and SAR resources

The weather will affect the subject's movement and behaviour.

The weather conditions may also affect SAR resources. Specifically, it may affect:

• the ability of SAR resources to deploy
• the effectiveness of deployed SAR resources
• the safety of SAR resources
• your ability to effectively communicate with the SAR resources.

Consider the terrain

Before deploying SAR resources, consider the terrain that SAR resources will need to travel through and operate in.

Consider the effect of the terrain on the subject and SAR resources

The terrain will affect the subject's movement and behaviour.

The terrain may also affect SAR resources. Specifically, it may affect:

• what kind of response activity SAR resources can undertake
• the amount of time before SAR resources can be deployed
• the amount of time needed for SAR resources to start and complete tasks
• the effectiveness of the search.