KEY TAKEAWAY

Freight railroads helped create the free AskRail app in 2014, which provides first responders with accurate, timely data about what type of hazmat a railcar is carrying so they can make an informed decision about how to respond to a rail emergency. All North American Class I railroads and Amtrak use AskRail.

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For decades, freight railroads and first responders have shared a fundamental commitment to the safety of the communities they serve nationwide. Each year, railroads work with government and industry partners to train first responders on responding to a hazmat by rail incident safely and quickly.

In 2023 alone, freight railroads will train roughly 20,000 first responders in local communities nationwide. In addition, the industry will train 2,000 first responders at the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) in Pueblo, Colorado, the industry’s hazmat response training facility, which was recently updated with new and enhanced scenario planning and training.

AAR, in partnership with emergency management agencies in Sumner County, Tennessee, have piloted the addition of AskRail data to their emergency management dispatching system to ensure all first responders have accurate, timely information in the event of a rail emergency. By training and working with dispatch centers, every first responder who arrives at the scene of a rail emergency can be assured they will have the right information to respond to the incident effectively. AAR’s Hazmat Committee and its AskRail Task Force also developed a new training module specifically for Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) on effectively using the AskRail app to support first responders and emergency planners.

AAR Director of Hazmat Compliance, Andy Elkins, gives an in-depth look at the app.

To further support emergency responders, America’s Class I railroads, Amtrak, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Railinc and the AAR created the AskRail app in 2014. As a backup to the train’s consist and conductor, the app provides first responders immediate access to accurate, timely data about what type of hazardous materials a railcar is carrying so they can make an informed decision about how to respond to a rail emergency.

  • Use a simple railcar ID search to see whether a railcar on a train is carrying hazmat and to view contents of entire train.
  • View a map of nearby railroad mileposts, grade crossing locations, schools, hospitals and more and follow instructions for where to establish isolation zones.
  • Access the DOT Emergency Response Guide and find emergency contact information for all Class I railroads, and Amtrak and available shortlines.

For security reasons, only qualified emergency responders who have completed rail emergency training sponsored by one of the Class I freight railroads or at SERTC can download and use the restricted features in the AskRail app.

In addition, railroads can offer the app to known emergency responders along their routes. The industry encourages state and local Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) to integrate AskRail into operations.

  1. Download the app from the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store or the Windows Desktop Application. If you are an ECC and would like a webapp version, contact 1-877-724-5462 or [email protected].
  1. Complete the registration process in the app on your device. If you are a first responder, we strongly recommend using a government or firehouse email address. For ECCs, use a registration email dedicated to the ECC that will not change with staffing. Select the primary Class I Railroad that serves your area and submit it for approval.
  1. Once you receive a confirmation email and click the verification link, your application will be sent for approval. ECCs can contact the above number or email for assistance in expediting approval. ECCs will also receive an overview PowerPoint to help train their staff on using the app.
  1. Once you have been approved to use the app, the app will become fully functional and ready for use.

All app-related questions: [email protected]
Media: [email protected]
Railroads:

Please do not send any other communication to these email addresses other than requests to use the AskRail app. Amtrak is not included on the contact list because they do not approve access to the app.

Resources

You can help us reach more first responders by promoting the AskRail app and SERTC training through your own communication channels. Below are resources you may find helpful, from copy-and-paste language to photos and social posts.

Links

AskRail

Security & Emergency Response Center (SERTC)

Copy

AskRail

  • Elevator Pitch: The AskRail app provides first responders with immediate access to accurate, timely data about what type of hazardous materials a railcar is carrying so they can make an informed decision about how to respond to a rail emergency.
  • More Info: The AskRail app, launched in 2014, is a collaborative effort among America’s Class I railroads, Amtrak, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Railinc and the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The app provides nearly 50,000 first responders — from all 49 states, the District of Columbia and eight Canadian provinces — with accurate, timely data about what type of hazardous materials a railcar is carrying so they can make an informed decision about how to respond to a rail emergency. Thousands more are covered by their Emergency Communication Center’s use of the app. Accessible through a secure verification process, AskRail is only available to qualified emergency responders. U.S. freight railroads actively promote the app to qualified emergency responders who have completed rail emergency training sponsored by one of the Class I freight railroads or at SERTC. In addition, railroads offer the app to known emergency responders along their routes. Through the app, responders can:
    • Use a simple railcar ID search to see whether a railcar on a train is carrying hazmat and to view the contents of the entire train.
    • Access the DOT Emergency Response Guide and find emergency contact information for all Class I railroads, Amtrak and available shortlines.
    • View a map of nearby railroad mileposts, grade crossing locations, schools, hospitals and more and follow instructions for where to establish isolation zones.

Security & Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC)

  • Elevator Pitch: The Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) is a globally recognized program that brings transportation experts and first responders together for a fully immersive, hands-on, real-world environment training experience for all forms of surface transportation incidents.
  • More Info: MxV Rail, a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads, operates the Security & Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC). SERTC provides extensive, immersive, realistic training that includes full-scale scenarios to prepare responders for surface transportation emergencies. Participants from the transportation service industry, the public sector emergency response community, the chemical industry, government agencies, and emergency response contractors come to SERTC from all over the world. In its first 35 years, SERTC trained more than 74,000 professionals worldwide in safety protocols and rapid response for a variety of scenarios. In 2009 SERTC became a member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC). The funding SERTC can access in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Training and Education Division (NTED) has been used to train 10,000 first responders to date — at no cost to themselves or their sponsoring agencies. 

AskRail

Video
Official promo video.
Photos

AskRail App Screenshots

Animated GIF

Stock Firefighter Photos

SERTC Photos

Social

AskRail Social Copy & Graphics

  • With the AskRail app, first responders have critical information about what a railcar is carrying at their fingertips, helping them make informed decisions during a hazmat incident. Learn more at www.AskRail.us.
  • The free AskRail app puts crucial rail hazmat information in the hands of local first responders before arriving on the scene. To see how it works, go to www.AskRail.us.
  • DYK the AskRail app was developed for emergency responders by emergency responders? Learn how this tool helps keep communities safe: www.AskRail.us.

SERTC Social Copy & Graphics

  • [email protected]’s Security and Emergency Response and Training Center is a world-class facility that provides realistic hazmat training to thousands of emergency responders each year. For more on SERTC’s globally recognized training program, check out https://sertc.org/.
  • SERTC’s world-renowned hazmat training includes hands-on, realistic scenarios to help first responders better deal with real-world emergencies. To learn more about grant-funded training and how to register, go to https://sertc.org/.
  • For over 35 years, SERTC has equipped first responders with specialized training on how to handle rail hazmat incidents. To learn more about SERTC training and how it helps to keep your communities safe, check out: https://sertc.org/.
  • Since 1985, @WeAreMxVRail’s Security and Emergency Response Training Center has trained over 74,000 professionals around the world on how to safely and effectively handle hazmat emergencies. See how by going to https://sertc.org/.
Quotes

AskRail

  • “I would recommend the AskRail app to other first responders because the information you need in an emergency is right at your fingertips.” (Jason Hensler, Former Engineer Crew Member)
  • “What’s so exciting about AskRail is that it has a user-friendly interface that walks the first responder quickly through a simple process to access key information. In a series of clicks, a responder will have the critical information that’s needed to assist in effective mitigation. Everything within the use of the AskRail app is based on standard hazardous material response/mitigation procedures.” (Charles Werner, 45-year veteran of public safety)
  • “The responders that arrive on scene at a rail incident need critical information about the contents of the railcar that they can rely on that’s accurate, real-time data. The AskRail app took data that was already available to us in multiple formats and put it into one application that allows the responder to get that accurate, real-time data at their fingertips just in time when they need it.” (Forrest Wieder, General Manager at SERTC)
  • “This is a great tool for emergency response members.” (Android User, 2021)
  • “Very helpful in our last train derailment. Thank you.” (Android User, 2021)
  • “This is a very handy, very useful tool for the emergency responder. Have not had to use it for an actual incident yet, but have practiced with it regularly. Works like a champ every time. The ability to access train consist is a very helpful feature.” (Android User, 2019)
  • “This app is an absolutely great resource and an absolute for any public safety organization with railway transport systems within their response area.” (Apple User, 2019)
  • “Hazmat tech 25+ years, and this app provides a wealth of needed info in an emergency.” (Android User, 2018)
  • “This app is a must for all bonafide emergency responders and provides quick reliable information to identify the contents of a rail car. Many great features in the app, and easy to use. It has been very helpful to me during real responses.” (Apple User, 2018)

SERTC

  • “I was lucky to have been in the HazMat Tech class in Pueblo, Colorado. Shortly after returning from Pueblo, I instructed over 50 responders at my fire department. I wouldn’t have been able to complete this training without getting the hands-on training from SERTC…” (Matthew Marshal, Cutting Edge Planning & Training)
  • “Thank you so much on behalf of our group. Your class was top-notch, informative, and definitely entertaining. It was the best class I have ever taken. We look forward to taking your other classes in the future. Thanks again.” (Anna M – Regional Health & Safety – McClellan, CA)
  • “I just wanted to thank you again for everything SERTC instructors provided. It was extremely refreshing to have instructors who demonstrated a love for what they do. Great job! Best delivery of any training I have received in my 14+ years in the fire service!” (Chad C., trainee)
  • “Students will need to look hard to find someone who could bring as much energy and enthusiasm as you did while teaching. Sharing your personal experiences enhanced the course objectives. I would like to thank you and your staff for a job well done. We learned a lot from the course.” (Kent K, Deputy Chief – Montgomery County, PA)
  • “I’ve been in the service for almost 30 years and have taken all kinds of programs and courses. Your instructors are some of the best I have ever had. I have been telling all of my guys on shift that if they have the chance to take this valuable training, they jump at the opportunity, as they will not be disappointed.” (Bryan W – Langley, B.C., Canada)
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