newsminer.com

The Alaska Railroad’s Emergency Response Whistle Stop Tour rolled into Fairbanks on Tuesday for the first day of a two-day stop.

Local emergency responders met with representatives from organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Division of Forestry, among others, to brush up on their training. Such meetings ahead of an emergency can be key for when the different agencies need to work together for a major natural disaster such as the Nenana Fire of 2006.

“Instead of showing up to a fire or a flood and everyone is asking ‘Who are you? What are you doing?’ everyone is saying ‘It’s good to see you again,’” said Marc Peterson, emergency response manager for the railroad.

The two-day seminar has a heavy focus on preparedness in case of a railway emergency such as derailed cars or a hazardous materials spill.

Train tracks and the various components of trains such as the brake lines pose unique challenges to rescue workers.

“This gives them a great opportunity to learn what assets the railroad has to respond and how to evacuate a train,” said Alan Wien, an environmental specialist for the Department of Conservation. “There are a lot of hazards.”

The railroad has been sponsoring such tours for several years now, but this marks the first time the event has been open to the public.

Children from several local elementary schools spent the day exploring cars and and learning about how a train works. For many, it was their first time on a train, Peterson said.

Kathryn Pyne of the Division of Forestry gave several presentations about fire safety around the home and in the wilderness, handing out pamphlets and pencils throughout.

“So far they seem to like it,” she said during a break shortly after noon. “Of course they like the pencils and Smokey the Bear too.”

The tour began in Seward last Monday and makes its last stop in Anchorage Friday and Saturday. Making the presentations open to the public has been a hit, with several children returning later in the day with their parents.

“When they’re in a strange setting outside of the classroom they seem to remember stuff better, so they can take that information away and talk to their friends and family,” Peterson said.

The tour continues today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fairbanks Train Depot.

Contact staff writer Chris Freiberg at 459-7545.