During a power outage, what is one of the immediate priorities for a station agent?

• A. Stand still and wait for power.
• B. Continue operating normally.
• C. Ensure passenger safety, use emergency lighting, and escalate to control.
• D. Close the station doors.

Answer: (C)

In a power outage, the first priority is passenger safety. That means quickly making sure people are safe, guiding them to use any available emergency lighting to see where they’re going, and contacting the control center to coordinate the response. Emergency lighting keeps paths and exits visible, reducing the risk of trips or crowding, while escalating to control brings in additional support, such as communication to passengers, coordination with trains and security, and any needed power restoration guidance.

Having people wait in place or continuing as if nothing happened wouldn’t address the immediate hazards or the need for coordinated action. Closing doors without a safety plan could trap people or create bottlenecks, whereas the essential steps focus on safety, visibility, and getting the right help from central operations.