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The article discusses the performance of wood shoring systems in the temporary stabilization of damaged structures during urban search and rescue (US&R) operations. It cites the shoring system testing conducted during advanced structures specialist training financed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA) US&R Program and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) US&R Program. The FEMA design parameters for shoring systems are also cited.

Presents the author's experiences at the explosion site of the Humberto Vidal building in Puerto Rico. How extensive is the damage; Significant collapse hazards of the building; Mitigation methods used. INSET: Humberto Vidal building damage..

Looks at engineering challenges at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's search and rescue task force in response to the April 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Effects of blast on structures; Description of the building; Effects of the bomb blast; Hazard-mitigation issues; Initial hazard assessment and mitigation. INSET: FEMA structure/hazards evaluation marking..

Details on the mitigation method used to allow several victims to be removed by the rescue operations of Felipe Nazario and Association Engineers. How the rescue was done; Time span of the rescue operation.