Bus Evacuations

What Are School Bus Evacuations?

During School Bus Evacuation Drills, students learn what to do in the event of an emergency requiring evacuation. They practice exiting the bus through the Front Entrance Door, Side Emergency Windows/Doors, Rear Emergency Door/Window, Roof Hatches, and Front Windshield.

Students are also trained to use the two-way radio and emergency flashers. They are shown how to open the Front Entrance Door using a power switch or manually. Additionally, students learn how to respond if the driver becomes incapacitated, including slowing and stopping the bus using the service brake or Emergency Brake, placing the bus into neutral, and setting the parking brake.

Are School Bus Evacuation Drills Mandatory?

Yes. Below are the State Requirements:

• At least twice during every school year, usually following fall and spring breaks, schools must conduct an evacuation drill for all school bus passengers present on the day of the drill.
• Schools are required to notify the Department in writing at least 14 days before the drill, providing the date, time, and location of the evacuation drill.
• Each school bus driver must participate in a minimum of two evacuation drills per school year.

Evacuation drills must include:

• Practice and instruction in the location, use, and operation of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, windows as escape routes, and communication systems.
• Practice and instruction on how to approach, load, unload, and move at least 100 feet away from the bus.
• Emphasis on the importance of maintaining orderly conduct.

Should My Student Do Anything to Prepare for the Drills?

Yes. For safety reasons, we ask that girls avoid wearing short skirts and that both boys and girls avoid sandals or flip-flops during drills. And of course, bring a positive attitude!