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3/21/2023
The Association of American Railroads, in partnership with emergency management agencies in Sumner County, Tennessee, have piloted the addition of AskRail data to the emergency management dispatching system to ensure first responders have accurate, timely information in the event of a rail emergency, AAR announced yesterday.
Developed by the freight-rail industry and first responder community in 2014, AskRail has served as an on-the-ground, front-line tool to give first responders vital information about rail car contents and emergency response guides so they can swiftly and safely manage a rail accident.
After the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern Railway train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, AAR learned that lack of cell phone service and other challenges made using AskRail difficult in the early hours of the response, said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies in a press release.
"By extending access and training to dispatch centers, we’re adding another layer of coverage to communities that will keep the information flowing to those on the front lines of a rail emergency," Jefferies added.
To expand access of the information to emergency responders, AAR’s hazardous materials committee and its AskRail Task Force — consisting of representatives from railroads, emergency management agencies and first responders — developed a new training module specifically for emergency communications centers on how to effectively use the AskRail app to support first responders and emergency planners.
"Equipping our communications centers with AskRail provides all our first responders with the information they need to make faster, safer decisions that will protect our communities and save lives in the unlikely case of a rail emergency," said Christie Davis, director of the Sumner County Emergency Communications Center.
The Sumner County test pilot is the first step by the freight-rail industry to expand access to AskRail. Railroads are working to run a similar pilot in Canada before the program is rolled out to emergency communication centers across North America, AAR officials said.