West County Transportation Agency provides evacuation drills and safe riding practices programs to all the students who ride our buses for the school districts we serve.
Listed below are the safe riding practices we will discuss and the evacuation procedures the students will be participating in.
The students will be expected to follow all the directions of the driver and to exit the bus through an emergency exit other than the front entrance door.
In an accident or emergency the driver will probably require you to stay on the bus; be calm and quiet, so the driver can get directions or help.
If the driver asks you to evacuate, he or she will tell you which door to use and where you will need to go after you exit the bus.
Safe Practices
Wait in a safe place for the bus, stay off the road and enter the bus single file-no pushing, etc.
Remain seated at all times (quick stops can send standing passengers flying)
Keep the aisles and emergency exits clear of feet, books and lunches (possible tripping problem)
Keep body parts and objects inside the bus (hands, arms etc. could get injured by tree Limbs, other vehicles: Trash or other objects could cause accidents with other drivers)
Keep your voices down (too much noise is a distraction to the driver)
Do not eat or drink on the bus (choking on food could be a problem, trash problem)
Never throw things inside the bus (other passengers could get hurt)
No fighting, pushing etc. This may start out as a game, but the driver may get distracted and someone may get hurt.
No lighting of matches, smoking etc. (seats can catch fire and completely burn a bus in Less than four minutes)
When crossing the road, always follow the directions of the driver.
When loading or unloading, always be careful around the bus, make sure the driver can see you. If you drop a paper or your lunch pail, do not get it, go back and tell the driver, let the driver help you get it.
Move away from the front, sides, or back of the bus. These are all areas where you cannot be seen from the inside. If the bus was moved while you were standing in one these areas you could be seriously injured or killed. These areas are called the "danger zones." So, remember to stay away from the danger zone areas.
Always follow the directions of the driver.
Basic Instructions
The driver will show the location of and explain the use of the Fire Extinguisher, Reflectors, and First Aid Kit.
How to open all emergency exits including roof hatches, front door and windows.
Location and use of Two Way Radio.
In an actual evacuation the driver will ask for helpers from among the passengers. It is a good idea to already know who your helpers are going to be and alternates in case those students are not riding the bus when the need arises for an evacuation.
The driver will need 2 helpers and one leader from among the passengers.
The leader will take the students at least 100 feet away from the bus to a safe location.
The 2 helpers will help the other students in the actual evacuation by supporting them as they exit the bus.
(The two helpers are to leave the bus first using the emergency exit the driver has indicated. The helpers will stand on each side of the emergency exit with hands and arms extended to help support each student as they exit the bus. The leader should then be the next one to evacuate to be able to direct or lead the students to a place of safety.)
The driver shall remain on the bus until all passengers have evacuated and then will re-check the bus to confirm that all passengers are safely away.
To School Administrators, Principals and Teachers
In order to help expedite these procedures the driver may ask you for additional assistance during the actual evacuation through the side emergency exit, helping students to follow directions and reducing the risk of injury.
Thank you again for your cooperation and assistance. We couldn't do it without you, Remember School Bus Safety is a team effort.