If there is an emergency in a metrorail tunnel and commuters need to be evacuated, a member of the new Metro Citizen Corps may guide their way to safety. That is of course, there happens to be a Citizen Corps member — or as DCeiver said yesterday, the “Junior Varsity version of the Guardian Angels” — at the scene of an emergency. WMATA today released details on its new program that in theory, will aid transit and police personnel in emergency situations.

Trainees will receive actual hands-on training in the rail system and the tunnel environment including a tunnel and “right-of-way” walk where participants will test third rail electric power of the tracks with a hot stick and learn the safe way to cross over the electrified rail. They also will receive information on the location of emergency trip stations and how to access them in case of an emergency. Fan shaft locations will be pointed out and the Corps members will learn the proper way to turn on an exhaust fan in case of an emergency.

WTOP reports that volunteers will “will get backpacks loaded with goggles, flashlights and other safety equipment. If there is an emergency, they’ll be notified by telephone with details of their assignments.” Along with the so-called “go-bags,” Lyndsey Layton of the Post reports that Citizen Corps will get a Day-Glo safety vest, a green hard hat, a medical mask, flashlight and duct tape.

WMATA will begin training in two three-hour sessions on Sept. 15. A second session is set for Sept. 23. WMATA is also hosting Citizen Corps open houses at metrorail stations. The first one is Sept. 7 at L’Enfant Plaza.