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Planning, Training and Exercising for Crisis Events on the Railroad
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 below 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.
| Content | Description & Links | |
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Transportation Rail Incident Volume 2: Climate Change
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This document presents critical information on best practices and useful initiatives related to rail hazards associated with climate change in North America. Building upon the foundational Incident Command System (ICS) document created by the US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, it is intended to help North America’s railroads to prepare their personnel, equipment, and infrastructure for the unfolding impacts of climate change with preparedness and response strategies. |
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Rules Instructor Guide Part 1 and Script – ICS Course |
This document introduces the Incident Command System, the role of rail in emergency management, and the training. It serves as a guide for instructors and includes slides and a complete script for instructors to seamlessly and confidently carry out the training. |
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Acronyms and Glossary |
This document contains a complete and thorough glossary and explanation of acronyms used in the other Planning, Training, and Exercising for Crisis Events on the Railroad and ICS documents and slides, including terms such as “action plan,” “Multi-Agency Coordination System,” “fusion center,” and others. |
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Sources Consulted |
This document contains a full list of all sources consulted for all Planning, Training, and Exercising for Crisis Events on the Railroad content. |
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Fliers |
These documents serve as guides to create comprehensive emergency kits. They provide overviews as well as details (e.g., how much water per person, etc.) for what items to include in a car or professional kit to help keep you safe during an emergency. |
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Refreshers |
This slide deck contains materials for a brief training on the Incident Command System and Climate Change for the Railroad, including scenarios with rules and instructor’s notes. It focuses on safety in ICS and collaboration with other professionals, such as firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and road and rail professionals. Download the Refreshers Slides Download the Discussion‐Based Training Scenarios with Rules Instructor’s Notes |
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Rules Instructor Guide Part 2 and Script – building the ICS kit |
This slide deck contains the second part of the instructor guide and script, focusing on building the ICS kit, including the supervisor’s folder. The supervisor’s folder contains the ICS forms used most often, the ICS Field Operations Guide (FOG) for detailed instructions, and the Quick Start Cards that provide detailed guidance for the first 15 minutes after arriving at an emergency. |
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ICS Forms |
These are the official, fillable PDF forms provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Incident Command System. |
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Quick Start Cards |
This document contains the materials to be used in the creation of the Quick Start Cards (also known as quick reference cards) that contain critical guidance for the first fifteen minutes after arriving at an emergency. Instructions for putting together the Quick Start Cards can be found in the Instructor Guide Part 2. |
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Rules Instructor Guide Part 3 – guidance for instructors |
This slide deck contains guidance for instructors on training adult learners in ICS for crisis events on the railroad. It provides resources and information on conveying the value of the ICS kit, training with the sand table exercise, and ICS refresher resources. |
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Rules Instructor Information |
This document contains important information for instructors, including explanation and resources regarding quick start cards supplies and equipment, supervisor’s folder materials and instructions for construction, directions for the supplies pack, and several other resources (e.g., images to guide construction of folder, links to download the printable FEMA ICS Field Operations Guide, etc.). |
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Adult Learning |
This document provides guidance and resources on training adult learners to use the ICS for crisis events on the railroad and tips for holding adult learner interest, such as including kinetic elements and group participation in the training. |
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Contact Us
SJSU Research Foundation 210 N. 4th Street, 4th Floor, San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: 408-924-7560 Email: mineta-institute@sjsu.edu
