Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Observes Second-Annual ENS Sign Awareness Day on June 24

National Campaign Highlights Lifesaving Blue and White Signs at Crossings

WASHINGTON, DC, June 24, 2026 – Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the national rail safety education nonprofit, joins State Operation Lifesaver Programs and rail safety partners in observing the second-annual Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. OLI reminds everyone that recognizing and understanding how to use the Blue and White ENS sign can save lives when seconds count.
 
“Located across the U.S. where roadways cross tracks, ENS signs provide a critical connection to railroads in emergencies,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Recognizing and using this sign in a crisis, like when vehicles are stuck or there is trouble on the tracks, is a critical way everyone can help stop track tragedies.”
 
Each rectangular Blue and White ENS sign displays a unique phone number and crossing ID number. This vital information allows the public to contact railroads directly and report emergencies quickly.
 
See trouble on or near the tracks? Safely find the ENS sign, call the number listed and provide the crossing ID. This is also important information to share when calling 911.
 
If your vehicle is stuck or stalls on the tracks:

• Get out immediately. Get far away from the tracks – even if no train is in sight.
• Find the ENS sign and call the number listed. Give the dispatcher the crossing ID.
• No sign? Call 911.

“Although the sign is small, its importance is huge,” said Maleh. “ENS Sign Awareness Day shares vital knowledge that can make all the difference in an emergency. Knowing where to find information and how to act quickly can prevent a tragedy.”

“ENS Sign Awareness Day is one day of focused messaging, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that this message matters all year long,” Maleh added.
 
A Nationwide Awareness Effort
ENS Sign Awareness Day, June 24, 2026, shines a spotlight on the lifesaving importance of the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs posted at railroad crossings. Help raise awareness wherever you are — at home, on the job or out in your neighborhood.
 
What You Can Do

• Engage Locally. Connect with your State Coordinator and attend an ENS community event.
• Educate your friends, family and community about ENS signs and how to use them.
• Follow OLI on social and share our daily rail safety education messages.  
• Volunteer with OLI.
• Share our ready-to-use PSAs, videos, infographics and social posts.
• Share the importance of the ENS sign as well as OLI's free RISC Training with your local first responders.

About Operation Lifesaver  

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is a national #RailSafetyEducation nonprofit dedicated to stopping track tragedies through public awareness and education campaigns as well as a national volunteer network that gives free presentations encouraging safe behavior near tracks and trains. OLI supports the efforts of 47 state programs and the District of Columbia in sharing the rail safety education message. Explore OLI's virtual library of rail safety materials on the oli.org website. Visit oli.org to learn more, take a rail safety pledge, request free presentations and volunteer. Follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter/X and YouTube.