Graham County Search and Rescue

Question: Do I have to wait 24 hours to report someone as missing?

Answer: No, when you feel that someone is missing or overdue you should contact your local law agency. A trained officer will respond and evaluate the situation.

Question: What does it cost me to request help?

Answer: Nothing. Search and Rescue is a nonprofit, volunteer organization. Expenses such as fuel, food and other supplies are reimbursed through county and state Emergency Management funds.  Other needs are funded through private contributions.

Question: Should I have family and friends look for my missing child before I call search and Rescue for help?

Answer: NO!  Although family and friends’ intentions are well meant, they can unknowingly destroy evidence which could lead a trained searcher to the missing person.  It would be better if family and friends worked with the Search Coordinator.

Question: How is Search and Rescue managed and organized?

Answer: Search and Rescue operates under the Incident Command System. This is the same management system used by State and federal Wild land firefighting agencies.

Question: If I have bad knees, or another health problem, how can I help Search and Rescue?

Answer: Search and not is not just personal in the field. Support personnel are always needed.  Field searchers need to have communications, food, water, shelter and transportation. Search and volunteers supply these needs and provide support for the field personnel. It is NOT necessary to have a 4-weel drive or UTV vehicle.