International Association of Fire Chiefs
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.
  • Topics:
    • Transport Rail
    • Hazmat
  • Resource Type:
    • Case study
  • Organizational Author:
    • Hazmat Fusion Center

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