Railroad emergency notification — Delaware Permit Test

Calling the Emergency Notification System (ENS) number posted at a crossing is the best way to reach the railroad about a problem at the crossing or something blocking the tracks.

A stalled truck on the tracks is only cleared in time if the railroad hears of it before the next train.

Utilizing the ENS is the best and most efficient way to contact the railroads if there is a problem at the crossing or if something is blocking the tracks.

A crossing's ENS number is typically on a blue sign on the crossbuck, or nearby.

A driver who has to hunt for the number wastes the minutes a train needs to brake.

The ENS number is typically located on a blue sign on the actual cross buck or it can be found in the vicinity of the crossing.

The DOT number on the ENS sign tells the dispatcher exactly where the crossing is, so trains heading there can be told to stop or slow down.

A caller who can only say "the crossing near the farm" leaves the dispatcher unsure which train to stop.

The DOT number tells the dispatcher exactly where the grade crossing is so they can notify all trains moving in that direction to either come to a stop or slow down before reaching the crossing.

A car is stuck on the railroad tracks. What is the best way to tell the railroad?

Call the ENS number at the crossing. A stalled truck on the tracks is only cleared in time if the railroad hears of it before the next train. Delaware Driver Manual, p.83: “Utilizing the ENS is the best and most efficient way to contact the railroads if there is a problem at the crossing or if something is blocking the tracks.”