In the chaos after a Norfolk Southern train careened off the tracks and caught fire in eastern Ohio in February, it took roughly 45 minutes for firefighters to learn exactly which chemicals were involved. Now the railroad industry is trying to ensure that never happens again. Ever since that Feb. 3 derailment prompted concerns about rail safety nationwide, the major railroads have redoubled their efforts to make sure that more and more first responders can immediately look up the contents of any freight train.
- PUB DATE: 9/22/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WTAE-TV ABC 4 Pittsburgh

VIDEO: The Los Angeles Fire Department is asking for the public’s input as they revisit their “firefighter tattoo policy,” officials announced on social media Thursday. “We would love to hear your input, to help us factor in the views of the public we serve,” the post read. “Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on tattoos on your firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 9/22/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KTLA-TV CW 5 Los Angeles

Amazon is making it easier to get emergency help without your phone. The retail giant announced a new Alexa Emergency Assist service as part of its September product event on Wednesday. The service will allow customers to reach emergency responders through Echo devices while also sending alerts to emergency contacts.
- PUB DATE: 9/22/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: CNET

VIDEO: Some of the firefighters responding to calls on Chicago's South Side are a long way away from home. In fact, they traveled thousands of miles just to be here. CBS 2's Noel Brennan introduces us to the German firefighters who've joined the Chicago Fire Department for a couple of weeks. In Chicago, a firehouse and good food go hand in hand.
- PUB DATE: 9/22/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WBBM-TV CBS 2 Chicago

Seattle’s mayor hopes to diversify response options to calls for help with the city’s new public safety department. On Thursday, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the launch of the Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department, known as CARE. Sometimes when people call 911, their incident may not be as urgent as other 911 calls.
- PUB DATE: 9/21/2023 11:06:12 PM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13 Seattle