Volunteers Wanted as Metro Plans ‘Full-Scale’ Emergency Exercise Sunday

WMATA is gearing up to test how first responders would handle a major Metro emergency in Arlington, and officials are looking for some help.

Metro is planning a “full-scale exercise” at the Crystal City Metro station (1750 S. Bell Street) on Sunday, June 3, and is looking for volunteers to make the event feel more real for participants. Check in for the event begins at 6:30 a.m., and it’s set to wrap up by 1 p.m, according to an event listing.

Volunteers will get the chance to “act out the role of a Metro rider who is on the train at the time of the emergency and will be able to see first-hand how regional emergency responders handle the situation.”

Metro is offering up free parking and light refreshments for anyone looking to participate; WMATA is also willing to provide documentation or certification for anyone who needs it after participating, “including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and other service organizations.”

More details on the event from the listing, after the jump.

Volunteer Participation

• Metro will provide volunteers with a safety briefing prior to boarding the train.
• Volunteers who are able to do so will walk back to the station platform.
• Volunteers without mobility concerns should expect to be accessing the roadway under the direction of the fire department. We anticipate the fire department utilizing special carts to transport any volunteers with mobility concerns.
• Participation is limited to those 13 years of age and older.
• Anyone younger than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Registration

• Sign-in will begin at 6:30 AM at the Crystal City Metrorail Station.
• Prior to the exercise WMATA will provide a volunteer waiver form to all registered volunteers via email. Please sign and bring this form with you to the exercise.
• At the end of the exercise, no later than 1:00 PM, volunteers will be right back where they started their day and can leave after their debrief.

WMATA will provide volunteers with the following throughout the exercise:

• Free parking (Parking Information will be shared prior to the exercise)
• ID badge for the exercise
• Refreshments on the morning of the exercise and water during the exercise
• Safety training before the exercise
• Debrief with the opportunity to provide feedback after the exercise
• WMATA can sign for or provide documentation for volunteers who require it for certifications or program participation, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and other service organizations – just bring your form!

Safety Considerations

For your safety, volunteers should consider the following:

• Wear sturdy shoes. You will be walking in the roadway. Even though Metro will shut off the power, the roadway has uneven surfaces and trip hazards. Please do not wear sandals or flip flops – wear sneakers or other sturdy closed-toe shoes instead. If you do not have appropriate footwear you will not be able to participate in the exercise.
• It will be warm on the train. We are expecting a summer weather day so the weather may be warm for some volunteers. Please wear layers to help you stay cool. We will provide you with drinks, but there will be no restroom on the train.
• Wear durable clothing and closed-toed shoes. We recommend that you wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty as well as closed-toed shoes. You will be accessing the roadway and will likely come in contact with brake dust and other materials that can get you and your clothes dirty. If you do not have closed-toed shoes you will not be able to participate in the exercise.

File photo