rulesforresponse2

DO Turn Off The Water

- Learn the many types of water main valves.
- It is vital to turn the water off as soon as possible, as the lower parts of a building may have become holding tanks with trapped victims being drowned in a water-filled coffin.
- Turn the water off as close to the city main as possible [at curbside] in case the supply from the street to the building is ruptured. This may soon create a never-ending lake attempting to swallow the very structure you are about to penetrate.
- Finding the correct tool [many types] to shut off the main will be difficult, one may have to be improvised.
- The direction to turn the shut off is clockwise, but turn it very slowly to prevent a water hammer from developing. A water hammer may rupture a weak city main further up the line.

DO Turn Off The Gas

- Turn off all gas / fuel supplies to the building as close to the supply main as possible [street level].
-Use a non-ferrous wrench [non-sparking] designed for the purpose.
- Most gas valves are turned off by turning the valve 90 degrees, this places the straight of the valve against the direction of the gas pipe.

DO Disconnect Telephone Cables

-The Telephone Company will probably hate you but damaged lines may be incorrectly energized, or worse, charged via the power lines. This may lead to electrical hazards and fires in the structure.
- Use extreme caution with the telephone connections, have a qualified person check for dangerous voltages prior to getting the wire cutters out.
- Put up a large sign indicating the lines have been disconnected and where.
- Discuss the operation of disconnection with the Rescue Chief prior to disconnection in case the telephone system is been used to communicate to the trapped persons in the building. Keep in mind risk verses benefit.

DO Mark Routes

- Mark all routes to safety [triage area] for both rescue team and walking wounded. In case of structural stability loss, a well-marked route, as free from hazards as possible, will become a life line.
- A spray can of bright paint will prove invaluable in marking and labelling the route.
- Use different colours for different teams.

DO Mark Hazards

- Identify all hazards, possible hazards, and unknown wet spots, etc., and mark them well.
- Use spray paint and flagging tape, lots of it, to prevent anyone from unexpectedly walking into hazards.
- Log all hazards in the team's notes so that in the 3rd rescue stage the teams will be aware of them.
- Eliminate any hazard if feasible, such as padding sharp protruding objects or duct taping fractured windows.

DO Check All Doors

- Check all doors all the time.
- The structure may shift during the course of the rescue so check the door everytime before attempting to open it.
- Check for heat, use the back of your hand.
- Check the sound of the door, tap it -- if it doesn't have a dull thud sound it's probably loaded [load bearing]. Opening it could cause the load from the floor above to meet you on your level so to speak. If the door is loaded mark it and log it as a hazard.
- Practice door checks on loaded and unloaded doors regularly, it may save your life.
- If a previously unloaded door becomes loaded, reassess the structure and prepare to rapidly evacuate.