IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

5 Lessons from the Oil Train Derailment in Oregon

A series of comments on what was learned and said about the derailment

With the Oregon oil train derailment in our rear view mirror, we should not forget what some of the lessons are from that event. See Oil derailment in Columbia River Gorge: 5 lessons.

Besides the opening article with the five Lessons, there is more commentary on the event and actions taken or requested by the governments impacted by the event. While this event did not result in deaths, injuries or an ecological disaster, we need to learn from every event and work to share those lessons with others who might be faced with similar situations.

Ideally, the emphasis needs to be on prevention. Though the ultimate prevention is to eliminate the consumption of oil, which will take away the transportation of it, that day is still a ways off. Until then, we need to work to move oil as safely as possible.

Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.