Livingston ESA’s specialized and local school district transportation teams will continue bus evacuation drills throughout the county this week. These drills serve as an important safety protocol and practice for emergency situations that can arise during school transportation.
School bus safety is of utmost importance, and regular practice of bus evacuation drills can help ensure the safety of students in emergencies. These drills help students learn proper protocols for exiting the bus in the case of an accident or other emergency situation. Regular evacuation practice can also help instill a sense of confidence and preparedness among students, easing their fear during an actual emergency.
“These procedures are practiced regularly to ensure that students are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in case of an actual emergency situation,” said Alice Johnson, executive director of transportation for Livingston ESA.
Parents and caregivers can engage with and support this work in a number of ways:
• Talk to your child. Before the drill, explain why it’s important to take these drills seriously and encourage them to pay attention to instructions given by their bus driver.
• Ask questions. If you have questions about the evacuation drill process or protocol, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s bus driver or school administrator.
• Follow up with your child. After the drill is over, ask your child what they thought of the experience. Did they feel prepared and confident in their evacuation skills?
During a school bus evacuation drill, students learn how to quickly and safely exit the bus in case of an emergency. Specific protocols include identifying exits, unbuckling seat belts, standing and walking single file away from the bus, and moving to a designated safe space.
School bus evacuation practices are an essential safety measure that ensures students and staff can leave the vehicle quickly and safely in case of an emergency. Regular drills prepare individuals for unexpected incidents and help create a safety culture within schools and neighborhoods.
