Area law enforcement agencies are encouraging residents to use a new app if they see certain issues at railroad crossings.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe has developed RailGuard, which lets residents report non-emergency issues like malfunctioning signals, occupied crossings or damage to railroad property. Users can share the location, describe the problem and send photos.
In addition, RailGuard has links for information on different topics like why trains sound horns, why locomotives idle at certain locations and train schedules. There is also information about photography guidelines.
Currently, the app is available for iPhone users through the App Store.
If you see a rail emergency, do not use RailGuard. Instead, call the BNSF Railway Resource Operations Center at 800-832-5452.
