Apparatus and Equipment: Salvage Tarps SOP

• Standard Operating Procedure for apparatus and equipment salvage tarps.
• Number S 4321 R1.
• Effective date is July 25, 2018.
• Replaces S 4321 (10.01.95).
• The purpose is to establish procedures for the use of salvage and walk tarps.
• The use of salvage and/or walk tarps is instrumental in reducing property loss.
• Salvage and walk tarps should be deployed as early as possible in an incident.
• All engine, quint, and truck companies shall carry a minimum number of salvage and walk tarps.

Salvage and Walk Tarp Requirements

• Engines should carry 2 salvage tarps and 1 walk tarp.
• Quints/Trucks should carry 7 salvage tarps and 3 walk tarps.
• Salvage tarps are made of vinyl covered nylon and measure 12' x 18'.
• Walk tarps are made of vinyl covered nylon and measure approximately 34" x 15'.
• Each truck/quint company and battalion headquarters will keep one roll (20' x 100') of plastic at their station.
• Rolled plastic tarps get used when the security of salvage tarps are in question, tarps are needed for an extended amount of time, or the supply of salvage tarps has been depleted.
• Salvage tarps, walk tarps, and rolled plastic can be ordered from Fire Supply on form FD 703.
• Repair kits are available from Fire Supply to repair minor damage to salvage or walk tarps.
• Company identification shall be stenciled on both sides at each corner and center at both ends.