As Hurricane Milton approaches, the critical role that railroads play in both preparation and recovery efforts becomes easier to see. Communities connected to rail have an advantage during these times, benefiting from freight and passenger rail infrastructure that can support quick evacuations and the delivery of essential supplies.
Freight Rail: Rail companies like CSX and Norfolk Southern are able to transport large amounts of food, water, fuel, and recovery materials into disaster zones, even when roads may be blocked. This helps railtowns get necessary supplies faster and more efficiently, giving them an edge in the recovery process and serving as staging points for supplies to other communities. Railtowns can also benefit from faster access to infrastructure repairs, as railroads tend to prioritize restoring service to critical areas.
Passenger Rail: Amtrak’s involvement in evacuation efforts is another key advantage for railtowns. Amtrak works with local governments, FEMA and the FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) to safely evacuate residents from high-risk areas and modify services as needed. For example, as Hurricane Milton approaches, Amtrak has already adjusted routes in Florida to help keep people out of harm’s way and avoid unnecessary risk to life and property. It’s not unheard of for Amtrak to aid in evacuations in extreme circumstances.
Life in a railtown has its challenges, of course, but it’s times like these where additional access to aid and egress via rail can be a literal lifesaver.
As always - but particularly in emergencies - if you see tracks, think train. Storms can wreak havoc on things like grade crossing gates, and can drop debris on the tracks. Take extra caution to confirm the crossing is clear of obstructions before attempting a safe crossing. If it’s not clear, call the number on the blue sign next to the tracks. They can communicate with local first responders or railroad personnel to safely clear any obstruction and notify oncoming rail traffic of the issue.
Floridians - railtowners and otherwise - if you’re in Milton’s projected path, you can reach out to the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557 or check your county’s emergency management website for up to date details.