Advisory Organization

State Urban Search and Rescue (SUSAR) Advisory Program

Program Description

The State Urban Search and Rescue (SUSAR) Advisory Program supports the continuous improvement of the USAR response systems through the expertise and commitment of subject-matter experts from local, state, national and international response organizations. Modeled on a structure similar to the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) System Advisory Group, the program provides coordinated guidance and recommendations to address issues facing the USAR and disaster search and rescue programs to improve outcomes to those we collectively serve.

Organizational Structure

The SUSAR Advisory Program is composed of three elements:

  1. Strategic Group – Provides executive-level direction and oversight.

  2. Advisory Group – Comprised of senior staff and the leaders of the five functional groups.

  3. Advisory Subgroup – Comprised of members of the five functional groups, along with associated subgroups and ad hoc groups.

The five functional groups are Operations, Command, Preparedness, Logistics, and Finance/Administration. These elements work synergistically to identify challenges, develop solutions, and provide recommendations to advance USAR preparedness and response.

Meetings

The Strategic Group meets quarterly, the Advisory Group semiannually, and the Advisory Support Group annually. All scheduled meetings are conducted virtually or by conference call. Additional meetings may be convened as needed to address urgent or time-sensitive matters. Each Advisory Group is also provided dedicated time and meeting space at the annual National Urban Search and Rescue Conference to collaborate on issues within its functional area as needed.

Membership and Participation

Membership is a voluntary appointment, and members receive no compensation. Conference-related expenses are not reimbursed by SUSAR; all attendance costs are the responsibility of the individual member or their home task force or team.

Participation requires the support of the member's Task Force Representative and Sponsoring Agency Chief. Members who do not work directly for a Sponsoring Agency must also obtain support from their Participating Agency Chief. Letters of support must be renewed annually.