Page 92 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Emergency Evacuation Planning

Emergency Evacuation Planning

Every bus route must have an emergency evacuation plan developed by the bus driver, and the
attendant if one is assigned to the route. Your supervisor will instruct you about the plan and assist
you with it as necessary.
Who at the school site can assist you with emergency evacuation planning?

The Occupational Therapist (OT) and Physical Therapist (PT) at the students’ schools have a great
deal of knowledge about student capabilities. The OT and PT can help you with planning for
students who are orthopedically involved; have hidden deformities that you may not know about,
and with the transfer, lifting, or carrying of students during an emergency situation.

Whenever necessary, teachers should be involved because they best know their students. They
also can assist students with classroom instruction about bus emergencies and what to do. They
can tell you what students could possibly help in an emergency, and which students may need a
great deal of assistance and supervision during an emergency.

Should students be involved in evacuation planning and drills?

Special needs students often find changes in their routine more difficult than other students. They
should be involved in the evacuation drills. They can then see for themselves what they need to
do to be safe in an emergency or how to help others if they are capable. You will also be able to
observe students who may panic or run, or need help. You will need to plan for dealing with these
problems during an emergency.

At the beginning of each school year, drivers should select at least one (1) student to serve as a
leader and at least two (2) students to serve as helpers in the event of an emergency bus
evacuation. Drivers should give consideration to selecting assistants that board the bus at the first
bus stop in the morning and who will exit the last bus stop in the p.m.

 “Leaders” will the exiting students to the location driver selects, at least 200 feet from
danger
 “Helpers” must stand outside the bus door and assists fellow students in exiting the bus

Drivers and attendants on ESE routes must discuss and preplan the emergency evacuation based
on the students’ needs and abilities of those currently on the bus. This plan might be varied after
each bus stop on the route.

A trusted student can be shown how to speak on the two-way radio in case the driver becomes
incapacitated.

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Emergency Evacuation Planning