A school bus is actually safer to ride in than a family car, but accidents can still happen. If there is an accident, instruct your child to:
- Stop talking.
- Stay calm.
- Not touch emergency equipment unless told to do so.
- Wait for the driver’s instructions. In most cases, your child will be told to stay in his/her seat until help arrives.
Evacuation procedures will be practiced at each school site through the 8th grade once per school year. Evacuation orientation will be given at grade levels 9-12 once per school year.
Evacuation orientation will be given to all passengers prior to departure of every field trip. The driver may tell your child to evacuate if:
- There is a fire (or the danger of one).
- The bus is in an unsafe position.
If evacuation is ordered, remind your child to:
- Avoid crowding the aisles.
- Keep moving toward an exit – don’t stop to watch what friends are doing.
- Wrap any loose clothing around him so that it won’t get caught on the door hinges or other parts of the bus.
- Keep hands free. Leave belongings behind.
- Duck head and bend knees if she or he has to jump from the exit.
- A few older students could help younger ones get down to the ground; everyone else should move well away from the exit to give them room.