Emergency Procedures and Evacuation
When to evacuate
The exam tests evacuation decision-making, exit use, student accounting, and dangerous conditions. Evacuation is not automatic; it is required only when staying inside is more dangerous.
Core rules
- Evacuate for fire, smoke, fuel odor, hazardous-material release, a bus that is unstable or in danger of being hit, or a collision with fire risk.
- Do not evacuate for downed power lines unless there is fire or another immediate danger. Stay inside and wait for utility or emergency personnel.
- If evacuating, stop, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the key, activate hazard lights, and radio dispatch.
- Lead students at least 100 feet from the bus and roadway, upwind if smoke or chemicals are present. Use the nearest safe exit: front door, rear door, emergency window, or roof hatch.
- Take the emergency kit and first aid kit if quickly available, count students at the assembly point, and do not let anyone reenter.
Smoke comes from the engine compartment. Reasoning: smoke signals fire risk, so the driver evacuates rather than waiting. Students move upwind and away from traffic, the driver counts them, calls dispatch, and keeps them clear. Reentering for belongings is prohibited.
Traps that cost marks
Evacuating beside the bus instead of away from it, forgetting the student count, using a blocked exit, and reentering to retrieve items. The exam also tests that power lines alone are not an evacuation trigger.