Planning, Training and Exercising for Crisis Events on the Railroad

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Abstract: 

The Planning, Training, and Exercising for Crisis Events on the Railroad project provides a comprehensive evidence-based suite of resources to help railroads prepare for and respond to emergencies, particularly those driven by climate change. Developed in alignment with the federally mandated Incident Command System (ICS), these materials are designed to ensure seamless coordination across multi-jurisdictional and multi-professional teams to help protect infrastructure and save lives. 

The content on this page includes everything needed to build ICS kits and implement effective training on ICS for rail professionals and equip personnel with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance safety, accountability, and operational efficiency during crisis situations.

As climate-driven disasters such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes grow in frequency and intensity, rail professionals may increasingly find themselves first on scene during an emergency and therefore responsible for reducing harm. The documents and instructor-led training decks support the preparation of individuals and organizations, emphasizing the importance of readiness at all levels and especially in the first critical moments of an emergency.

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Authors: 

FRANCES L EDWARDS, MUP, PHD, CEM

Frances L. Edwards is the deputy director of the Mineta Transportation Institute’s Allied Telesis National Transportation Security Center, professor emerita in the San Jose State University Political Science Department, and an instructor in the Master of Science in Transportation Management for MTI. She also teaches courses for TSA Surface Inspectors through ENSCO. She is the Principal Investigator for this research. She is the co-author of four books, fourteen publications for MTI, and numerous articles and book chapters. She is a certified emergency manager with more than 20 years’ field experience.

DANIEL C GOODRICH, MPA, CEM MEP

Daniel C. Goodrich is the senior transportation security scientist for the Mineta Transportation Institute, and an instructor in the Master of Science in Transportation Management for MTI.  He also teaches courses for TSA Surface Inspectors through ENSCO. He is the co-author of Introduction to Transportation Security and ten reports for MTI. He is a certified emergency manager, a master exercise practitioner, and a certified security specialist. He has worked in emergency management for local government and the private sector, and has sixteen years’ active military service, including US Marine Corps Security Forces. 

Published: 
February 2025

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