Home Uncategorised How to safely evacuate a Metro train from tunnels, platforms and stations

How to safely evacuate a Metro train from tunnels, platforms and stations

 

Metro riders: After Monday’s fatal smoke-filled train catastrophe, here are some tips for what to do in an emergency.

First, there are call boxes at the end of each rail car. Riders can use the boxes to call the train operator if anything is amiss.

Metro also urges riders to listen to the train operator’s instructions. The train operator will tell riders if it is necessary to evacuate and how to do so.

If an incident occurs in a tunnel, as in Monday’s event, Metro said that, after a train stops:

  • Look for the side of the tunnel with lights.
  • Pull the emergency door release.
  • Slide the door open on the side with tunnel lights.
  • Step carefully to the walkway (there may be a gap between the doorway and walkway).
  • Wait for the train operator to tell you which way to walk.

Tips for tunnels: There is an Emergency Trip Station every 800 feet. They are marked with a blue light and have a call box. Dial “0″ to speak to Metro and follow instructions.

Signs also point to the nearest station. If directed by Metro, head to the nearest one.

Do not touch the train or track. Contact with the third rail, which carries high-voltage electricity to the train and has a white safety cover, will kill you, Metro said.

Also, stay clear of the track — trains can approach without warning.

For evacuating from an elevated track: Look for the side of the track with a railing and walkway, pull the emergency door release, slide that side’s door open and step onto the walkway. As in tunnels, there are emergency call boxes every 800 feet. Dial “0″ and speak to Metro.

Getting out on ground level: Exit on the side away from the other track and the third rail by using the emergency door release.

In stations: Look to the passenger information displays in the Metro station for information. A station manager will also give emergency instructions over intercoms. Riders can use those same intercoms — mounted in those large brown pillars — to talk to the station manager. Metro also advises riders to know all the exits of the stations you use most often.

From The Washington Post