NORFOLK, Va. — A special train will travel across Alabama Sept. 20-24 to provide emergency preparedness training to first responders as part of the 2010 Norfolk Southern TRANSCAER Whistle-Stop Tour.
TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) is a nationwide program that assists communities in preparing for and responding to a possible hazardous material transportation incident.
“The TRANSCAER Whistle-Stop Tour brings emergency preparedness training to response organizations and educates communities near major rail routes about rail equipment, chemical transportation and the importance of planning for potential hazardous material transportation emergencies,” said David Julian, Norfolk Southern’s vice president safety and environmental.
The tour kicks off in Mobile, and makes stops in McIntosh, Selma, Jasper, and Muscle Shoals. More than 1,000 emergency responders are expected to participate in the training programs taught by chemical and rail transportation experts. At each location, state and local emergency planning committees, emergency responders, and government officials can participate in hands-on drills and training sessions.
Railroad training tank cars, specialized emergency response vehicles, and over-the-road tank trucks will be on display. More than 200 participants are expected at each stop.
