AS LAW ENFORCEMENT

Become familiar with railroads operating in your area of jurisdiction and the types of products they regularly transport

Take note of grade crossings and develop a map of railroads in areas you patrol

Monitor grade crossings; educate violators and issue citations when necessary

Develop an emergency response plan for handling rail-related incidents

Learn the challenges of investigating highway-rail grade crossing collisions and enhance your investigative skills

Video 1 ⯆  Video 2 ⯆

AS EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

Become familiar with the railroads operating in your area of jurisdiction and the types of products they regularly transport

Ensure your team has an understanding of basic railroad operations, policies, and procedures

Develop an emergency response plan for handling railroad incidents

During an emergency, locate the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign to contact the railroad

Learn how to rescue and extricate train crews from locomotives in an emergency

Video 1 ⯆  Video 2 ⯆

AS EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS

Direct callers to look for the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign to quickly determine the location of the railroad emergency

Immediately contact the railroad responsible for the track 

Determine if the incident involves a pedestrian or a motor vehicle

Determine if there are additional dangers such as motor vehicles on the track or hazardous cargo

Ensure that your call center has a map of all railroads in your area as well as a policy for handling railroad incidents

Video ⯆

IN AN EMERGENCY AT A GRADE CROSSING

Locate the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at the grade crossing

Call the railroad for help – use the phone number on the sign 

Tell the dispatcher your location by providing the crossing identification number on the sign 

Tell the dispatcher what the emergency is

Video ⯆