Commuter Safety

Emergencies can occur quickly and without warning, so planning is a crucial first step toward a calm and effective response. The American Red Cross has worked with the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Transit Administration and the American Public Transit Association to develop information to help you prepare for emergencies that arise during your commute.

Plan

Make a plan for how your family will stay in contact if separated by an emergency:

Make sure people close to you know how to reach you and you know how to reach them.

Designate an out-of-town friend or relative to be the contact point for your family. In an emergency, it may be easier to call long distance as local phone lines may become overloaded.

Take time now to learn alternate routes and ways to get where you need to go. There are often multiple ways to reach a destination.

Write down your emergency contact information and encourage each member of your family to do the same. Keep it current and keep it with you. Information may include:

- Your transit system telephone number and website

- Local transit police (non-emergency)

- Local transit police emergency number

- Your local American Red Cross chapter telephone number and website

- Your emergency phone number

- Family emergency phone numbers

- An out-of-town contact - name and phone number

- Your family emergency meeting place

Prepare & Practice

Ask your employer if there is an emergency plan for your workplace and incorporate it into your personal plan. Occasionally review, update and practice your preparedness plans.

While commuting, carry with you a small flashlight, dust mask and a pair of protective gloves. The Red Cross Safety Tube is also recommended. Keep a local map with you in case you need to walk or take another form of transportation.

Respond

On a Train: If the train stops, follow the operator's instructions quickly and calmly. In an extreme emergency when you must evacuate the train without the operator's assistance, follow posted emergency procedures.

On a Station Platform: Familiarize yourself with all the exits at the stations that you use in case you ever have to take a different exit. Listen for announcements and follow instructions quickly and calmly.

On a Bus: Follow the bus operator's instructions. Emergency exit procedures are listed on windows, ceiling escape hatches and on doors.

Be Red Cross Ready

Everyone knows the Red Cross helps people during emergencies. But you may not know that it’s also part of our mission to help you help yourself! Becoming “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency means following our simple steps in advance to ensure you can weather a crisis safely and comfortably.

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Preparedness in the Palm of Your Hand

Red Cross mobile apps give you tools and vital information to help keep you, your family and friends prepared in case of emergencies. From knowing how to administer first aid, to knowing what to do in the event of a natural disaster, our mobile apps keep you informed and ready to respond.

_{Red Cross mobile apps are free downloads, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.}

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