CSX provides detailed training for first responders

Dozens of first responders are learning more about how to react in the event of a rail disaster in their region.

CSX pulled its safety train into South Charleston Thursday to offer a demonstration and training to get those emergency personnel familiar with what they could face in a disaster situation.

“They’re giving us a lot of good information,” said Kanawha County Fire Coordinator C.W. Sigman. “They’re making us familiar with railroad procedures, how to identify hazards. They’re showing us where the valves are on a rail car and how to identify materials and take precautions.”

Sigman said it’s been years since a derailment occurred in the Kanawha Valley where there was a threat to the public. However, because of the volume of shipping through West Virginia on the way to the docks at Norfolk there are plenty of hazardous materials passing along tracks through hundreds of West Virginia communities every day.  He said the possibility of a disaster is ever present.

“The concentration is on hauling crude oil and fuels like methanol and diesel fuel and things like that,” said Sigman. “They’re emphasizing that hazard.”

Railroad companies commonly offer training, but Sigman said the level of detail in Thursday’s session was above and beyond anything previously provided.

“This is a whole lot bigger deal. CSX has shown a commitment to keep us safe,” he said. “What we don’t want to happen is for one of our responders to show up and be so overwhelmed they don’t know where they go from here. This gives them information on where to start.”