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 The MCEMA had most reccntly conducted a drill, simulating an aircraft accident, on June 17, 1993, in Mobile Bay. The local police and fire departments, Coast Guard, Sheriff's Department, and other agencies involved in the September 22 Amtrak accident participated Similar drills for accidents involving railroad operations would give participating agencies an opportunity to learn about their responsibilities and jurisdictions and to practice notification procedures, as well as mcthods of accounting for passengers and crew.

The Safety Board concludes that if the MCEMA had held drills to simulate a train accident, the incident commander may have known about Amtrak's procedures for ticketing passengers, and CSXT may have had the correct telephone number for the Coast Guard. The Safety Board therefore recommends that the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourage local authorities to conduct emergency drills that simulate transportation accidents involving railroad operations.

MCEMA critique of emergency response—In testimony, both the incident commander and the SAR controller discussed the emergency response to this accident. On September 28, 1993, the MCEMA conducted a critique of the emergency response that included represcentatives from many responding agencies A synopsis of major suggestions and observations follows


 * Because the Civil Air Patrol provided real-time television pictures to the MCEMA, the agency was able to monitor conditions at the accident site.
 * Agencies and volunteers shared their resources and helped transport equipment to the accident site.
 * Cellular phones were used to reduce radio communication problems and to limit battery use.
 * Had smaller boats been available to the Mobile Fire Department, it could have used them to transport personnel and equipment around the accident site
 * Amtrak representatives had to show divers the layout of cars that remained on the bridge because they were not familiar with the train equipment Since the accident, floor plans and a videotape describing Amtrak's emergency procedures have been provided to the Mobile Fire Department.

A postaccident critique such as this one, especially when done in conjunction with periodic drills, is a valuable tool for identifying and implementing improvements in emergency response procedures. 57