Page 94 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Please be sure that a copy of your plan is submitted to your Senior Coordinator by the requested
due date. Update your plan every time a new student is added or students are removed from your
route(s).

School Bus Evacuation Procedure

The decision to evacuate or exit the bus must be a timely one. Survey the scene, evaluate the
circumstances, and determine if it is safer to evacuate the passengers or stay on the bus.
We must evacuate in the event of a fire, danger of fire or bus is in an unsafe location
1. Secure vehicle
2. Evaluate the Emergency
3. Notify Dispatcher
a. Bus Number
b. Location
c. Type of Emergency (Need: Police, Ambulance, Fire Department)
d. Injuries: Life Threatening ‐ Students, Pedestrians, Motorists, other
e. Number of Students
4. Hang Radio “mike” outside the Driver’s window, if possible.
5. Drop your roster, seating charts and route sheet out the window.
6. Determine how you will evacuate students: front door, rear door, emergency window, or
other
7. Look for a safe place near the bus to carry or drag students, for ambulatory students to sit,
and to place wheelchairs and car seats
8. Use bystanders for assistance outside the bus. Do not allow them on the bus.
9. Determine how you will evacuate students in wheelchairs. This must be done before the
emergency, when making your emergency plans for your routes.
10. Cut straps of car seats, safety vests, seat belts, other
11. Account for All Students

 “Leaders” must be told what location, (200 feet from danger) to lead the exiting students too and
take his/her place.
 “Helpers” must be told what emergency exit will be used and to take their place
 Students should be told to leave book bags and personal belongings on the bus
 Driver should dismiss students from their seats in an orderly manner, 1 (one row at a time
 Students should exit the bus quickly without pushing or shoving
 Driver must walk the bus again as quickly as possible to ensure all students have exited
 After each student has exited the bus, the driver must join students a safe distance away from
the bus remaining together and count the students to ensure all are accounted for.

After any accident, or emergency situation all equipment on the bus must be assessed for
use or replacement. Seek the advice of your supervisor.
STAY CALM!

Page 94 of 149
Emergency Evacuation Planning