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A square of information on a wall.
Also known as: USAR marking, Search marking box, International structure marking
The international urban search and rescue marking painted beside the entry point of a searched structure.
Records who searched a structure, when, what hazards were found and who remains inside.
Contexts: Public information
Written on the building because after an earthquake there is no reliable radio, no shared map and no continuity of personnel: the wall is the only medium every arriving team is certain to see.
Contexts: Public information
A diagonal line drawn across the square means the search is complete, so the mark's own state changes as the operation proceeds rather than requiring a second mark.
Contexts: Public information
A large square outline painted beside the point of entry, divided into quadrants carrying the team identifier, the times of entry and exit, hazards found and the number of casualties still inside.
The international system uses a square and the US system a cross, for the same information.