District Bus Rules

At least twice during every school year, a school shall conduct an evacuation drill of a school bus at the school that includes every passenger who rides a school bus and is in school on the day of the evacuation drill. At least 14 days before an evacuation drill, a school shall submit to the Department a written notice stating the date, time, and location of the evacuation drill. Each school bus driver shall participate in a minimum of two evacuation drills during every school year. Evacuation drills shall include:

• Practice and instruction in the location, use, and operation of the emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, windows as a means of escape, and communication systems;
  Practice and instruction in when and how to approach, load, unload, and move away from the school bus a minimum of 100 feet;
• Instructions on how weather-related hazards affect emergency procedures; and
• Instructions on the importance of orderly conduct. 

Should my student do anything to prepare for the drills?
Yes. We ask that the women not wear short skirts, and we ask that, for their safety, both men and women not wear sandals or flip-flops. Of couse, bring a positive attitude!

Are evacuation drills different between Regular Buses and Special Needs Buses?
In someways, yes. The difference is, on Special Needs Buses, the driver and assistant practice un-securing a tied down wheel chair quickly as well as practice using the wheelchair lift manually. They also acquaint themselves with their specific students and what the special needs are. This way, they will know which students will need additional help during a real evacuation.