New York Operation Lifesaver

06/17/2026

June 24 is ENS Sign Awareness Day.

During Fairport's Canal Days, volunteers Chelsea Sweet and Maurice Hebert helped spread the word about the Emergency Notification System sign. So few people know about the ENS sign, nor do they know how it can save lives. The number on the sign links you to the railroad personnel who can stop any trains before a tragedy occurs.

If your vehicle is stuck on or near the tracks, get out of your vehicle. If a train is not coming, and find the ENS sign and call the number on the sign to

06/15/2026

The ENS sign has a vital role to play to when a vehicle is stuck on or near the tracks. That's why we've named June 24 ENS Sign Awareness Day. Catchy title, right?

Calling the 800 number on the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign connects you to the railroad personnel who can stop an approaching train.

IF you're vehicle is stuck on the tracks, first GET OUT. If a train is not approaching find the blue and white sign and call the number.

06/14/2026

A few more photos of the iconic Big Boy Steam Locomotive at it's stop in Buffalo NY

06/12/2026

On Tuesday and Wednesday a large crew of NYOL volunteers helped spread the rail safety message at the NS/UP Big Boy Steam Locomotive tour stop in Buffalo NY. They worked from 2-7 on Tuesday and 8-3 on Wednesday giving out giveaways along with our message. It was a great event and we want to thank, Stephen Myers, Joe Szadeck, Howard Wharton, Ira Cohen, Ellen Saparito, Wendy Startari, Adam Vester, Jacob Rothfuss, Noah Wegner, Chris Costa and Michael Berchou for a ton of work, good cheer and spreading the word, especially about the ENS sign.

A special thanks to Mariane Myers, who is not an official NYOL volunteer but outworked everyone else BOTH days.

06/11/2026

Thank you to Chelsea Sweet and Maurice Hebert for staffing the two day Canal Days event in Fairport, NY. Our booth was right next to the tracks, the picture of the crossing is from our booth. We spoke to many people about the Emergency Notification System sign over those two days. The blue and white ENS sign can save lives but almost no one has heard of it. We all need education

PS Thank you to the bystanders and the nearby vendors who helped anchor our tent when the gusts on Saturday wanted to send it flying away.

06/11/2026

Just like going around a downed gate at a railroad crossing, going around a school bus when it's stopped to pick up or drop off passengers is dangerous and illegal.

06/09/2026

Tomorrow UP and NS are inviting the public to view the Big Boy locomotive in Buffalo NY on June 10, from 9:00Am-2:30PM

Parking is limited at the site . Access the Big Boy via free shuttles at the Walden Galleria Mall ONLY (North side near Primark.)

Union Pacific connects 23 western U.S. states, providing safe and efficient railroad transportation, freight shipping and logistics.

06/08/2026

June 24 is ENS Sign Awareness Day.

DO you know what the ENS sign is?
OR where at all public railroad crossings the sign is placed?

06/07/2026

On June 10th The Big Boy locomotive will be available for railfans of all ages in Buffalo NY.

Operation Lifesaver volunteers will be there too.

The largest operating steam engine in the world will make its way to Western New York next month.

06/05/2026

Thank you Volunteers. NYOL

NY Operation Lifesaver is a volunteer driven organization.

Spring is always a busy time at NYOL with volunteers going to driver ed classes, high school safety fairs and many other events. Over the next few weeks NYOL volunteers will give their time to get out our rail safety message at events like the Canal Days in Fairport, NY the Big Boy steam locomotive tour extravaganza in Buffalo.

NYOL and it starts with filling out an application at OLI.org

Section navigation Section Navigation Safety Near Trains Track Safety Basics Open submenu Close submenu Are You a Risk Taker? Highway-Rail Crossing Questions and Answers Quiet Zones Rail Signs and Signals Open submenu Close submenu Devices at the Crossing Markings on the Road Signs Before the Crossi...