Debris and fallen trees from a destroyed house after a tornado

State Urban Search & Rescue Alliance

About SUSAR

The State Urban Search & Rescue (SUSAR) Alliance aims to enhance the search and rescue capabilities of resources across the country and the world, regardless of agency affiliation. The organization strives to promote knowledge sharing and learning from each other to continuously improve response capabilities. It also explores ways to collaborate and respond more efficiently.

The Alliance is committed to supporting preparedness and operational response standards that push the boundaries of capability with efficiency in mind. It also aims to educate and support the development of new resources and capabilities within communities for disaster search and rescue operations.

SUSAR seeks to establish partnerships with all stakeholders, including military partners, manufacturers, and vendors who develop products to enhance the performance capability of US&R resources. The Alliance also aims to create a mechanism for communication with each other to continually improve the service provided by all.

Get Involved

National US&R Conference

The National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Conference is the premier annual assembly of rescue professionals from around the world to enhance disaster search and rescue programs. The conference provides a range of pre-conference courses, as well as three days of sessions covering all aspects of disaster search and rescue. The conference serves as a platform to share best practices and build a network of dedicated professionals from around the world who are working together to improve the US&R community globally.

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Individual & Team Membership

Corporate membership is available in a non-voting role to industry partner who manufactures, sells, or provides services to the US&R Community. Corporate Membership is included in sponsorship of the National Urban Search and Rescue Conference but is also available for those unable to attend the conference.

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Corporate Support & Membership

Individual Membership is included with attendance to the annual National US&R Conference. For those unable to attend, an Associate Membership can be purchased annually. Team Memberships are also available for US&R Teams.

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Registration Now Open:
2025 National US&R Conference

The 2025 National US&R Conference will be November 10-12th in Orlando, Florida, with pre-conference courses being held November 6-9th.

The 2025 keynote speaker is Mr. Winston Chang who recently retired as the global lead for UN INSARAG with over 30 years of dedicated service to emergency services around the globe.

The National Urban Search & Rescue Conference is the premier annual assembly of rescue professionals from around the world to enhance disaster search and rescue programs. The conference provides a range of pre-conference courses, as well as three days of main and breakout sessions covering all aspects of disaster search and rescue.

Attendees talking with Deployed Logix, exhibitor at the 2024 Event.

FEMA US&R Branch Chief (Ret) Fred Endrikat speaking to attendees at the 2024 National US&R Conference.

Mr. Fred Endrikat, FEMA US&R Branch Chief (Ret.)
speaking at the 2024 National US&R Conference.

Former Acting US Secretary of Homeland Security Pete Gaynor speaking as a keynote speaker at the 2024 National US&R Conference.

Mr. Peter T. Gaynor, Former Acting US Homeland Security Secretary
speaking at the 2024 National US&R Conference.

2024 Event Highlights:

The 2024 National US&R Conference had a record attendance of almost 600 US&R professionals from across the United States, Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico as well as Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. 

There were 42 exhibitors from across a wide range of backgrounds in the global US&R community to include: equipment sales, training, service, logistical support, and manufacturing.

There were 54 unique sessions for attendees across a wide range of topics from disaster rescue and medical operations, logistical considerations, emerging technologies, program development and management, to lessons learned from recent disasters.

We hope to see you in 2025!