Established in 1986 as a domestic and international disaster response resource, the Fairfax County Urban Search & Rescue is team of individuals that has expertise in the rescue of victims from collapsed structures as result of natural and man-made catastrophic events. It has more than 200 trained fire and rescue members who work on career and volunteer basis. The team also handles issues related to hazardous materials mitigation, communication, and canine and technical search. It works to meet the safety needs of residents and businesses in the Fairfax County in Virginia. The Fairfax County Urban Search & Rescue conducts an orientation and preparedness program for the general public.