PART 2:
PREPARING FOR A USAR OPERATION

 

UTILITIES

Damaged utilities may include one or a combination of the following:

* Electricity
* Gas
* Phone lines
* Sewage
* Water
* Pipelines carrying chemicals, fuels, etc
* Fibre optic cables

 

Rescuers should attempt to turn off utilities if possible and contact the relevant authority to isolate them. Do not unnecessarily expose yourself to risk.

Damaged utilities can present the following dangers:

* Electrocution
* Asphyxiation
* Infection
* Drowning
* Poisoning