Photo Credit: Union PacificNews
First-Ever ENS Sign Awareness Day puts power in the community’s hands at railroad crossings
Union Pacific is joining Operation Lifesaver (OLI) to mark the first-ever Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day on Tuesday, June 24, spotlighting the signs posted at every railroad crossing that can make a life-saving difference.
The blue and white signs provide a direct connection to a railroad’s 24/7 emergency dispatch center. They display a phone number and a unique crossing ID that helps dispatchers locate the exact site of a concern. Whether a vehicle is stuck on the tracks or a signal is malfunctioning, calling the number on the ENS sign can activate a fast, coordinated response.
“This isn’t just a railroad sign, it’s a safety tool all of us can use,” said Clint Schelbitzki, assistant vice president, Public Affairs for Union Pacific. “When you make the call, you’re not just reporting a problem—you’re helping prevent a tragedy. ENS Sign Awareness Day is about letting people know they have the opportunity to make a difference, enhancing safety with one phone call.”
ENS signs are installed at every public rail crossing in the country, yet awareness of their purpose remains low. Union Pacific and OLI seek to change that by encouraging pedestrians, first responders and everyday commuters to learn how and when to use them.
“ENS signs turn bystanders into first responders,” said Jessica Devorsky, Executive Director of Texas Operation Lifesaver. “The more people who understand how to use these signs, the safer our communities become.”
How to Use an ENS Sign:
- Look for the blue sign near the crossing.
- Call the emergency number printed on it.
- Read the crossing ID aloud to the dispatcher.
- Briefly describe the issue you see.
Trained railroad dispatchers will immediately notify train crews and local emergency teams as needed.
“As someone who’s worked in both public safety and railroad operations, I’ve seen how a 15-second phone call can change everything,” said Buck Russel, Union Pacific Senior Supervisor of Public Safety. “This is about giving communities tools they can use in the moment.”
Take Action June 24
ENS Sign Awareness Day is a call to action for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and neighborhood advocates to learn how this small sign can make a big difference. Union Pacific encourages families, schools and community groups to share this life-saving knowledge—and help others recognize the sign and the role they can play in safety.
For more information about ENS signs and rail safety, visit oli.org.
Source: Union Pacific
