Neb. Admin. Code EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF, tit. 92, ch. 91, app B
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."
Neb. Admin. Code EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF, tit. 92, ch. 91, app B