Train Derailment in Miamisburg, OH (Lessons Learned)

Some lessons learned from the incident:

• Have a solid disaster plan in place. Make sure it is up‐to‐date and complies with the county’s emergency operations plan. It should be exercised regularly.   
• Based on the disaster plan, have a quick reference checklist to enact the plan.
• Establish mutual aid agreements at all levels; local, county, regional and state. Conduct training exercises based on these plans.
• Have a working knowledge of hazardous materials being transported through and within your jurisdiction.  This incident prompted changes in state legislation on reporting requirements.
• Maintain a unified command structure. Once in place and wroking, do not be intimidated into giving up command to other arriving agencies, rather work them into the current structure.
• Use the experience and knowledge of other emergency responders, government representatives, subcontractors, shippers, manufactures and their represntatives by conducting periodic information sharing and braining storming meetings.