Section 40-20-306 - Emergency notifications(1) Within thirty minutes after discovering an emergency involving a train, unless communication is impossible, the railroad operating the train shall notify the state's watch center of the emergency by telephone or another agreed-upon method of communication to ensure that authorities can respond swiftly and appropriately. Emergency conditions that require a railroad to provide such notice include: (a) Release of any hazardous material;(b) Death of any individual;(c) Injury to any individual that requires medical treatment in addition to first aid;(d) Any fire or risk of fire; and(e) Property damage amounting to fifty thousand dollars or more.(2) The notification described in subsection (1) of this section must include:(a) Details about the nature and severity of the emergency, such as the type of incident, the location of the incident, the potential hazards involved, and any immediate actions taken or required;(b) The extent of the impact of the emergency, including any injuries, fatalities, property damage, or environmental damage;(c) Impacts on other surface transportation, including blocked roadways;(d) If the emergency involves the transportation of hazardous materials, specific information about the materials involved, their quantities, and any potential risks to public safety or the environment;(e) Response actions taken to mitigate the emergency;(f) Requests for assistance, including evacuations, containment, and additional resources; and(g) Any immediate coordination efforts that have taken place with local authorities.(3) After providing the emergency notification described in subsection (1) of this section, a railroad shall submit follow-up reports to the commission and coordinate response efforts.(4) A railroad that provides a notification described in subsection (1) of this section shall also notify the community rail safety advisory committee and the rail industry safety advisory committee of the incident within thirty days after providing the notification described in subsection (1) of this section.Added by 2024 Ch. 161,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.