The NYS Federation of SAR is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit organization consisting of independent Search and Rescue teams that make themselves available to any official agency to assist in searches for lost or missing persons in New York State or the Northeast.
To contact the Federation of Search and Rescue Teams call our Toll-Free
Emergency Activation phone number: 866-6NY-WSAR (1-866-669-9727)
If you have a serious emergency, call 911
We do not search for missing or lost pets or animals
Activating the Federation
The Federation provides for a "call-out" system through which any official agency may obtain Search and Rescue resources. Activation of the Federation through your "local" team is encouraged. Using the map on the Team Directory page, click on the area nearest your locale. If a local team cannot be contacted in a timely fashion, utilize the Federation call-out procedure on the Emergency Numbers page. Notification with a local team or the Federation should be made as early in the search effort as possible. Due to geography and time, there may be a delay of several hours to obtain "non-local" support. Early notification provides for better response times. Agencies can request that resources be placed on "stand-by" or "immediate response" according to the situation. Early notification will help maximize the turnout of skilled search resources, while minimizing the response time. Any questions regarding this procedure can be directed to a Federation Officer.