What preliminary action should the Dispatcher take when a train reports an outage affecting cab signaling?

When a train reports an outage affecting cab signaling, the first priority is to ensure the safety of the train and its crew. Informing the Engineer of the situation immediately is crucial because the Engineer needs to be aware of any signaling issues that could impact the safe operation of the train. This communication allows the Engineer to take necessary precautions and implement appropriate safety measures, such as reducing speed or preparing for manual control, if required.

While other actions like checking with the Signal Department or assessing switching routes may be important later on, the immediate responsibility lies in making sure that the train crew has the latest and most critical information that could affect their operation. Quick communication helps in maintaining safety and mitigating risks associated with cab signaling outages.