Transportation Emergency Action Plan
In the event of a major emergency (fire, flood, tornado, earthquake, collision with another vehicle, or at a railroad crossing), the school bus driver’s first responsibility is the safety and welfare of the students. Passengers on the bus, both students and adults, should follow the driver’s instructions.
During Emergency – The Bus Driver Should:
1. Stop the bus in a safe location and turn the ignition to accessory.
- Activate the hazard lights.
- Remain calm. Reassure students.
- Notify 911 if necessary.
- Determine now if the bus should be evacuated. The decision to exit or evacuate the bus must be a timely one. Normally, passengers are safer inside the bus. For a normal breakdown, the students should be kept inside the bus.
Evacuate if:
the bus is located where there is a high risk of a collision, such as:
- Near a blind curve,
- Just over the crest of a hill
- On a railroad track, OR
There is some danger that threatens the passengers, such as:
- Fire or smoke in any part of the bus
- Danger of being submerged in water
- The bus has rolled or tipped over
- The bus is in danger of rolling or tipping over
2. Survey the scene, evaluate the circumstances, and determine:
- Is it safe to continue driving the bus? (See 4 below.)
- Is it safer to remain parked? (See 5 below.)
- Is it safer to evacuate the passengers? (See 6 below.)
3. If you determine it is safe to continue, the emergency guidelines are as follows:
(first notify GRACE transportation manager)
- Afternoon or midday runs leaving from school:
- Continue on route, if safe, or, if too dangerous:
- Proceed to the nearest school or safe area.
4. If you decide not to continue driving and not to evacuate:
Stay on bus with passengers. Notify GRACE Transportation Manager.
- Calm and reassure passengers.
- Set out reflectors as required by law. (10, 100, 200 ft.)
- Do not allow students to get off the bus.
- Stay with students on bus until help arrives, or the emergency ends.
5. If you decide evacuation is required, notify GRACE Transportation Manager, then remove the ignition key.
A. Calmly explain to students why evacuation is necessary and request their assistance.
B. Determine which exit(s) will be used and direct/assist students.
- If possible, the driver should conduct the evacuation from inside the bus making sure all students are off before he/she exits.
- Direct students to a safe regrouping area that is at least 100 feet from the bus and upwind of any fire.
- Send the first-aid kit with the group.
- Take the bus notebook with you.
C. Retain the passengers in the regrouping area.Remember to notify GRACE Transportation Manager if you move the group.
- Wait in regrouping area until:
- A spare bus arrives.
- An emergency vehicle arrives.
- It is safe to return to the original bus.
D. Obtain or write down the following passenger information:
- Name and age of each student on bus.
- Seating position of each child.
- Document any injuries or special care needs.
- Name of emergency transportation, if required.
- Name of receiving facility or person to who released.
E. Release students only to:
- Parent or guardian (Ask for identification)
- School staff, site manager, or transportation official.
- Emergency medical service.
- National Guard.
- Representatives of the National Red Cross.
- Police, sheriff, fire department.
6. In all cases, follow directions as given by:
- Transportation department dispatcher/supervisor.
- Local authorities.
