www.northumberlandtoday.com/webapp/sitepages/content.as -
[Cached Version]
Last Visited: 5/10/2007
Whatever the emergency might be, Port Hope Deputy Fire Chief Jim Wheeler says people need to be prepared.
"They need to be prepared to either evacuate or remain indoors," he said.
...
When it comes to the possibility of a train derailment Chief Wheeler said, "You have no idea what cars are empty or full, and if they are full, you don't know what they're carrying."
His advice to families who live near the tracks, is to be prepared to either evacuate or stay indoors for an extended period of time.
He also suggest families have a "family plan" in place that includes a meeting place, an out-of-town contact person, escape routes.
Other than that he says they should fight all instincts and literally run from a derailment.He says there are no other special emergency preparation requirements for these individuals.
"With rail and highway, we really have no idea what may be traveling in terms of product," he said.