Based on a study of problems that relate to the regular and safe transportation of school pupils, the Executive Committee of the National Safety Council’s School Transportation Section recommends the following:

1. That all school bus fleet administrators establish procedures in their respective fleets for handling emergencies such as collisions, riots, strikes, sabotage, natural phenomena, and clinical contamination of a school or the need to evacuate a school for any reason.

2. That the cooperation of local agencies (police, fire, civil defense, etc.) be secured and coordination of efforts be established in the best interest of pupil safety.

3. That emergencies be catalogued by type and that locations be identified where each type might occur.

4. That careful evaluation is made of the likelihood that various emergencies might arise and that lines of authority be established with the cooperating agencies that would provide assistance in each case.

5. That various communication methods, such as radio, cellular phone, etc., be evaluated as alternatives to the telephone in the event telephone lines are destroyed during an emergency.

6. That reasonably accurate estimates be made of available personnel resources and equipment as well as the time required to assemble them at any given location.

7. That a plan be established to provide for mentally and physically challenged students in emergency situations.

8. That all persons involved in the emergency response, such as school and transportation department employees, parents, and students are informed of all operational procedures.

9. Periodically review and practice all emergency situations.

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services has prepared an Emergency and Rescue Procedures Manual. This manual was developed to be used as a guide by school districts or states in preparing an emergency plan. A copy of this guide can be obtained from the State Director’s Association.

For more information on reducing risk or any of our other services, please contact Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@cbservices.org or 800.807.0300 ext 2543

Reviewed in April 2008 by the School Transportation Section of the Transportation Safety Division. Information and recommendations are compiled from sources believed to be reliable. The National Safety Council makes no guarantee as to and assumes no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances. Last Revised: 04/09