ALERT has prepared for a structural collapse event through the development of its Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) capability. This capability is currently at a National Incident Management System level that can respond to an event and operation at a medium level. However, because the need exists for greater capability, the team would like to enhance its equipment and training to that of a FEMA-type Team. Currently the closest FEMA USAR Team is located in Virginia Beach, VA with a response time of 12 hours to Charlotte. Because of the increasing numbers of high-rises and large buildings in the city center, it has become necessary to increase the capability of ALERT's USAR Team to that of a FEMA-type Team. This would allow for ALERT to operate at a higher level and save more lives, not only in Charlotte, but throughout the State of North Carolina. The need to have the proper equipment and training within the State is vital to the success of any collapse incident. Due to the severity and massive scale of structural collapses ALERT cannot afford to wait 12 hours or more for the proper equipment and trained personnel to arrive and begin rescue operations. Furthermore, since Charlotte-Mecklenburg ALERT is designed to respond to both terrorism and natural disasters, it serves as a state-wide asset and has been deployed several times across the state to various disasters: deployed five times to hurricanes in North Carolina, including three times to the eastern coastal areas including the outer banks by Blackhawk helicopter during hurricane Isabel; twice to the mountains of North Carolina for floods and land slides; and several times to areas in and around Charlotte for collapses of bridges, parking decks and buildings. This project will support the Manufactures who produce and supply the different tools and supplies that ALERT will be purchasing. This will also support the 20 + local training instructors who are needed to train personnel on the equipment who will be employed through the Community College. The funds will be sent to the Charlotte Fire Department (228 East 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202-2530).