WASHINGTON — According to first responders, the best place to be in a Metro emergency is on the train.
“Follow the direction of the train operator,” Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer says. “Sheltering in place is the safest place for you and for first responders to get to you.”
While you are on a Metro train, Metro advises riders to become aware of the safety features found throughout the train, notably the intercoms, fire extinguishers and emergency doors.
“If you are a regular commuter, you should be familiar with the platforms where you enter and exit,” Piringer advises. “You should know where you are along the way, so in the event you become stranded and you have to call for help, you know where you are.”
If you see an issue, Piringer recommends you contact the train operator through the intercom available at either end of the train.
“If you think you’ve waited a longer than reasonable amount of time, we want you to call 911 and advise us of where you are,” added Piringer.
Metro says abandoning a train in a tunnel without a trained professional is extremely risky. They recommend you stay in place and follow operator instructions unless the threat is imminent.
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