Anyone know what this stands for

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i see them alot
 

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H

HAZ-MAT 1

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Looks like the building was searched by L28 on 8-08 and building is clear. They do this to show that the building was searched for some reason or another and they found no one in there. This one was taken in New Orleans after Katrina
vanonroof1.png
 
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Jun 22, 2007
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  Correct that it shows the building has been searched. It is painted on there so that others don"t have to take the time to search it AGAIN and can move on to the next.
 
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Sorry, but actually the first photos show that the building is fire damaged. The square with the "X" through it means so damaged that members should NOT enter building. Just a square means the building is supposed to be vacant, and a square with a slash through it means building is vacant and has some previous fire damage to it.
 
 
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Dec 7, 2007
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Actually, everybody's correct.  NFD2004's response is applicable to FDNY and maybe other jurisdictions.  In NYC you'll also sometimes see the letters "RO" (Roof Open) meaning that there are holes in the roof and the Roofman is not allowed to go there.  The "X", as NFD2004 states, signifies that operations will be conducted as an exterior attack due to the extreme life hazards to members.  In the case of a wide-area disaster, such as Katrina, the markings are used to show that the building, vehicle etc has already been searched, by whom, the date and if any bodies were found; I believe this may be a FEMA protocol based on the one established by FDNY in the 1970's (?).  These markings were also used in 2001 during the search operations at the Trade Center
 

tbendick

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The marks you see in NYC are the Vacant building Markings. 
Here is some of the notes from the books on this topic.

Square "VACANT - Normal stability at time of marking"
Square with one line "Interior hazards exist to such a degree that interior operations may be conducted only after examination, and with extreme caution"

Square with X
Every effort must be made to conduct operations from the exterior When absolutely necessary to enter the building, adhere to the following:
A. Approval by officer in command is required.
B. Examination must be conducted before unit is committed.
C. Operating force and interior operational time to be kept to a minimum.

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The other marking system comes from collapse operations. Its along the lines of the FEMA system.
"SEARCH ASSESSMENT MARKING SYSTEM"
Single Slash - Entry
X - when unit leaves
Left side - Unit
Top - Time and date when left
Right - Hazards
Bottom - Victims
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Last one is the "VICTIM LOCATION MARKING SYSTEM"
Large "V" near a known or potential victim.
Circle around the "V" when confirmed
Horizontal line when the victim is deceased
Vertical line when the victim is removed.
 
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