- Is the bus significantly behind schedule?
- Is there a fire, or the danger of fire?
- Is the bus in the path of a sighted tornado?
- Are there any injuries that might be made worse by evacuating?
From The CDL Manual
A decision to evacuate should include consideration of the following conditions:
- Is there a fire or danger of fire?
- Is there a smell of raw or leaking fuel?
- Is there a chance the bus could be hit by other vehicles?
- Is the bus in the path of a sighted tornado or rising waters?
- Are there downed power lines?
- Would removing students expose them to speeding traffic, severe weather or a dangerous environment such as downed power lines?
- Would moving students complicate injuries such as neck and back injuries and fractures?
- Is there a hazardous spill involved? Sometimes, it may be safer to remain on the bus and not come in contact with the material.
- There is a hazardous materials spill
- The position of the bus may change, increasing the danger
- These are all situations in which evacuation is required
- The bus in on fire, or probably will be
From The CDL Manual
Mandatory Evacuations:
The driver must evacuate the bus when:
- The bus is on fire or there is a threat of a fire.
- The bus is stalled on or adjacent to a railroad-highway crossing.
- The position of the bus may change and increase the danger.
- There is an imminent danger of collision.
- There is a need to quickly evacuate because of a hazardous materials spill.
- Have 2 adult helpers ride along on each trip
- Assign older students as assistants, and teach them how to assist and lead other students off the bus
- Have emergency contact numbers for all the students parents
- Have their dispatcher on stand-by to send help, if necessary
From The CDL Manual
Be Prepared and Plan Ahead:
When possible, assign two responsible, older student assistants to each emergency exit. Teach them how to assist the other students off the bus. Assign another student assistant to lead the students to a “safe place” after evacuation.
However, you must recognize that there may not be older, responsible students on the bus at the time of the emergency. Therefore, emergency evacuation procedures must be explained to all students. This includes knowing how to operate the various emergency exits and the importance of listening to and following all instructions given by you.
- The nearest parking lot
- At least 100 feet off of the road, in the direction of oncoming traffic
- At least 300 feet from the road
- At least 100 feet from the road, in the same direction as traffic is moving
From The CDL Manual
Some tips to determine a safe place:
- A safe place will be at least 100 feet off the road in the direction of oncoming traffic. This will keep the students from being hit by debris if another vehicle collides with the bus.
- Lead students upwind of the bus if fire is present.
- Lead students as far away from railroad tracks as possible and in the direction of any oncoming train.
- Lead students upwind of the bus at least 300 feet if there is a risk from spilled hazardous materials.
- If the bus is in the direct path of a sighted tornado and evacuation is ordered, escort students to a nearby ditch or culvert if shelter in a building is not readily available and direct them to lie face down, hands covering their head. They should be far enough away so the bus cannot topple on them. Avoid areas that are subject to flash floods.
- Students should be led downwind at least 300 feet
- Students should be led upwind at least 300 feet
- Students should be led upwind at least 100 feet
- You should never evacuate if there is a hazmat spill
From The CDL Manual
Some tips to determine a safe place:
- A safe place will be at least 100 feet off the road in the direction of oncoming traffic. This will keep the students from being hit by debris if another vehicle collides with the bus.
- Lead students upwind of the bus if fire is present.
- Lead students as far away from railroad tracks as possible and in the direction of any oncoming train.
- Lead students upwind of the bus at least 300 feet if there is a risk from spilled hazardous materials.
- If the bus is in the direct path of a sighted tornado and evacuation is ordered, escort students to a nearby ditch or culvert if shelter in a building is not readily available and direct them to lie face down, hands covering their head. They should be far enough away so the bus cannot topple on them. Avoid areas that are subject to flash floods.
- Escort students to the closest ditch or culvert
- Direct them to run in the opposite direction of the tornado
- Keep the students on the bus
- Instruct the students to crawl under the bus and lay facedown
From The CDL Manual
Some tips to determine a safe place:
- A safe place will be at least 100 feet off the road in the direction of oncoming traffic. This will keep the students from being hit by debris if another vehicle collides with the bus.
- Lead students upwind of the bus if fire is present.
- Lead students as far away from railroad tracks as possible and in the direction of any oncoming train.
- Lead students upwind of the bus at least 300 feet if there is a risk from spilled hazardous materials.
- If the bus is in the direct path of a sighted tornado and evacuation is ordered, escort students to a nearby ditch or culvert if shelter in a building is not readily available and direct them to lie face down, hands covering their head. They should be far enough away so the bus cannot topple on them. Avoid areas that are subject to flash floods.
- Only if students are hurt
- Only if the bus is leaking fuel
- No matter the emergency
- Only if time allows
From The CDL Manual
If time allows, notify dispatch office of evacuation location, conditions and type of assistance needed.
- Manned by two older students while the others evacuate
- Removed and taken out of the bus
- Used to notify dispatch first, then left on the bus
- Dangled out the window for later use
From The CDL Manual
Dangle radio microphone or telephone out of driver’s window for later use, if operable.
- Place transmission in Park, or Neutral, if applicable
- Remove the ignition key
- Shut off the engine
- Throw the key as far as possible away from the bus
From The CDL Manual
Secure the bus by:
- Placing transmission in Park or if there is no shift point, in Neutral.
- Setting parking brakes.
- Shutting off the engine.
- Removing ignition key.
- Activating hazard-warning lights.
- They should not be moved unless in mortal danger
- A helicopter should be called immediately
- A blanket or jacket should be used to drag them out the back door
- They should be taken out of the bus before the other students
From The CDL Manual
Evacuate students from the bus.
- Do not move a student you believe may have suffered a neck or spinal injury unless his or her life is in immediate danger.
- Special procedures must be used to move neck spinal injury victims to prevent further injury.