Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF › Title 92 - NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION › Chapter 91 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS & OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES › Appendix B - EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILL PROCEDURES

Current through June 17, 2024
In a school bus accident or emergency situation, the school
				  bus driver must use his/her best judgment to decide what action shall be taken.
				  The primary responsibility is pupil safety. In an emergency it may be necessary
				  that the bus be evacuated. This procedure requires a definite plan followed by
				  periodic practice in emergency evacuation drills.
The following procedures apply to school buses. Local
				  policies must be developed to include instructing emergency equipment and
				  evacuation procedures for students who ride small vehicles.
1.
Reasons for Emergency Evacuation of
				  School Buses
A. Fire or danger of fire - If any portion of a school bus is
				  on fire, it shall be stopped and evacuated immediately. Passengers shall move
				  to a point 100 feet or more upwind from the bus and remain there until the bus
				  driver has determined that no danger remains. If a school bus is unable to move
				  and is close to existing fire or highly combustible materials, the "danger of
				  fire" shall be assumed and all passengers evacuated.
B. Unsafe Location - In the event that a school bus is
				  stopped in an unsafe location and is unable to proceed, the driver must
				  determine immediately if it is safer for passengers to remain on the bus or to
				  evacuate.
C. Driver must evacuate a school bus if its final stopping
				  position:
1. is in the path of any train, or on or closely adjacent to
				  any railroad tracks;
2. could change and increase the danger. For example, if a
				  bus were to come to rest near a body of water or precipice where it could slide
				  into the water or over a cliff, it must be evacuated;
3. is such that there is danger of collision. Under normal
				  traffic conditions, the bus should be visible for a distance of 300 feet or
				  more. A position over a hill or around a curve where such visibility does not
				  exist should be considered reason for evacuation.
2.
Important Factors in School Bus
				  Evacuation
A. The safety of the pupils is of utmost importance and must
				  be given first consideration. During an evacuation, pupils should be led to a
				  safe place at least 100 feet off the road in the direction of oncoming traffic.
				  If there is a risk from spilled hazardous materials, lead the pupils upwind of
				  the bus at least 300 feet.
B. Prior to evacuation, place the transmission in park
				  (neutral), activate the hazard warning light, set the emergency brakes, turn
				  the ignition off, and remove the ignition key.
C. The driver shall stay in the bus during evacuation to
				  guarantee smoothness of evacuation procedures.
D. Evacuations shall be conducted with "deliberate speed." A
				  time interval of 134 to 2 seconds per passenger has proven to be the safest and
				  most efficient.
E. To insure a safe exit, passengers must have their hands
				  free. They shall leave lunch boxes, books, and other personal belongings on the
				  bus.
F. Passengers selected and trained in advance shall be
				  assigned to serve as:
1. Leaders - will lead passengers to safety from each door
				  utilized for evacuation. (Passengers shall be directed to a safe point at least
				  100 feet from the bus and remain there until given further directions.)
2. Helpers - two pupils shall be stationed to aid passengers
				  as they leave the bus through the rear emergency exit.
3.
Common Types of School Bus Emergency
				  Evacuation.
A. Evacuations utilizing the front or service door shall be
				  conducted using the same techniques as a routine unloading. The driver will
				  choose whether to evacuate the bus one side at a time or on a staggered seat
				  basis.
B. Evacuations utilizing only the rear exit door have some
				  distinctive features.
1. The bus driver shall walk back through the bus to the rear
				  exit and direct the pre-assigned leader and helpers to take their
				  positions.
2. The leader will open the rear emergency door, exit, and
				  stand clear, ready to lead exiting passengers to a safe location set by the
				  driver.
3. The helpers will exit and take their position, one on each
				  side of the rear emergency exit to assist passengers in exiting the bus in a
				  safe and orderly manner.
4. Passengers shall remain in their seats until directed by
				  the driver to leave the bus. The driver may choose whether to evacuate the bus
				  one side at a time or on a staggered seat basis.
5. The driver shall advise all passengers to have their hands
				  free and coats buttoned. Each passenger shall be two steps away from the bus
				  before the next person exits. Taller passengers would be reminded to duck their
				  heads in order to exit safely.
C. Evacuations utilizing roof hatches, side emergency doors,
				  and side/rear emergency windows. Should the bus be on its side, utilize the
				  roof hatches and side door. The side door is located on the left side, the
				  street side, of the bus. Use caution exiting, as belongings will be tossed
				  around and might be a hazard underfoot. Evacuation procedures are the same as
				  if utilizing the 5 step rear door exit evacuation. Follow the instructions for
				  opening the side/rear window emergency exits. Instructions are displayed on the
				  door and below the window.
D. Evacuation of pupils with disabilities - Each bus route
				  shall have its own written emergency evacuation plan.
E. School Bus Pupil Representatives
1. The school bus driver is responsible for the safety of
				  pupils. However, in an emergency a driver might be incapacitated, unable to
				  direct evacuation. Therefore, school bus representatives (school safety patrol
				  members or appointed pupil) should be selected, trained and prepared to direct
				  the evacuation.
2. School bus representatives should be: a) mature pupil -
				  maturity is more important than age; b) good citizens - a desire to serve is
				  most important; c) on the bus for the entire route. Choosing pupils who live
				  near the end of the route might be helpful. They must also have written
				  parental permission in advance.
3. Training programs shall prepare pupils, school bus
				  representatives to: a) turn off ignition switches; b) set emergency brakes; c)
				  summon help when and where needed (instructions and telephone numbers shall be
				  available on buses); d) use windows for evacuation in emergencies; e) set flags
				  and reflectors or reflective triangles; f) open and close service and emergency
				  exit doors; g) direct school bus evacuations; h) perform other duties as
				  directed by the driver.
F. School Bus Evacuation Drills
1. All pupils who are transported in a school bus shall be
				  given an opportunity to participate in evacuation drills.
2. All pupils shall be instructed in school bus passenger
				  safety and procedures for emergency evacuation prior to participation in
				  evacuation drills.
3. Drills should be held in restricted off-street areas and
				  not on bus routes.
4. All types of emergency evacuations should be practiced
				  with emphasis on utilizing the rear emergency exit.
5. Section IV, subsection C-2 of Standard 17 of the Federal
				  Highway Safety Act of 1966 and Section
				  79-609(2)(a)
				   R.R.S. states: "At least twice during each
				  school year, each pupil who is transported in a school vehicle shall be
				  instructed in safe riding practices and participate in emergency evacuation
				  drills."