Be Involved

Be involved in a lifesaving partnership: transit employees and passengers 

As a resource, transit employees provide a wealth of specialized knowledge and on-the-job experience. Likewise, transit passengers contribute to the security equation by providing thousands of extra eyes and ears capable of identifying possible life-threatening situations.

When transit employees and transit passengers pool these resources, the result is a highly effective first line of defense against a potential natural or man-made disaster. So, please make a commitment to becoming an alert, informed, prepared and involved member of this employee-passenger partnership.

Rest assured your efforts will go a long way toward enhancing the safety and security of our transit system.

Be Alert

Be on the alert for suspicious…packages.

• If you spot an unattended package, look for the following:
• Placement in an out-of-the-way location
• Individuals in the act of abandoning the package and hastily departing the area
• Unusual attached batteries, wires, tanks, bottles or bags that might contain chemicals
• An attached message
• A suspicious cloud, mist, gas, vapor, odor or seeping fluid
• Nearby individuals showing signs of illness or distress

Be Informed

Be Informed and have a transit plan of action:

• Familiarize yourself with station entrances
• Locate emergency intercoms to report suspicious packages or activities
• Remain calm and listen for station, train or bus announcements
• Follow transit authority instructions in a speedy but orderly fashion
• Do not block train or bus doors from closing
• Assist fellow passengers and follow the Golden Rule: Watch out for the safety of others just as you would have them watch out for your safety

Behavior

If you spot any suspicious individuals engaged in questionable activity, look for the following:

• Visible signs of nervousness
• Excessive sweating
• Sprayer bottles or aerosol canisters
• Inappropriate clothing that is excessively baggy or too heavy in warm weather

Recommended Course of Action

Do not confront suspicious individuals. Contact a transit employee or the police immediately. in the event of a suspicious package, do not use a cellular phone until you are a safe distance away.

Preparedness tips:

• Create an advanced plan for maintaining contact with family members if separated as a result of an emergency
• Create an advanced plan for maintaining contact with close friend and colleagues during an extended emergency period
• Keep a record of all contact and emergency information and update it regularly as needed
• Select a location outside your home as a family meeting point should your home need to be evacuated
• Identify alternate routes and means of reaching your meeting point in the event your main route is impassable
• Keep a local map handy for reference
• Make sure your emergency information and contact numbers are with you at all times