(Teamsters Canada issued the following on July 12.)
OTTAWA — Teamsters Canada is urging households in rail-route communities to come up with a plan in case of an evacuation order after a train accident.
Major urban evacuations in Canada due to train derailment are on the rise, the labour organization said in a public service announcement sent to the Peace Arch News.
Longer and heavier trains are running on Canadian railways and wearing out the tracks faster, says Bill Brehl, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference’s Maintenance of Way Employees Division and the PSA’s author.
Evacuation guidelines provided include:
• Keep a radio tuned to the emergency frequency where instructions would be broadcast. This should have be done prior to any emergency, as 911 lines will be overloaded quickly once the emergency hits.
• Pick a spot inside your house where everyone will meet and exit as quickly as possible.
• Keep a disaster supplies kit with everything essential.
• Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages.
• When exiting, close and lock doors and windows.
• Unplug electrical equipment, except freezers and refrigerators.
• Check trees or flags to see which way the wind is blowing, and stay upwind of any spills from the train accident.
• Keep a battery-powered radio on hand to follow local evacuation instructions.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat.
• Let others know where you are going.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts, as they may be blocked.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Do not try to return home until instructed to do so.
For more information on evacuations, visit the Teamsters website at www.teamsters.ca/en/news/982/public_service_announcements