it covers all the different types rather than just one [bus],” Hetrick added. The video also covers opening the loading door from the inside and
outside, and it features student passengers demonstrating the functions, highlighting the potential need for a child to stand on bus seat to open the roof hatch. Hetrick added that the video also demonstrates how to operate a fire extinguisher, something that is not an option during regular evacua- tion drills. Speaking from experience, she observed that drivers who are training
three or four different groups of students could easily forget to mention an important step. However, the training video allows every student to receive the same information in a more detailed manner. “One thing we did specify in our video was how to brake … there are
hydraulic brakes, the foot pedal brakes, and then there’s the actual air brake that’s released by the button,” Hetrick said, adding that the video covers all three. “If I or a driver was slumped over the wheel, the bus could still be roll- ing. But [students] can pull that brake and be able to stop it, so it doesn’t go any further. I think that’s a huge win for the kids.” She explained the video also reduces the possibility of students missing class time. She noted that teachers can show the video at the start of the morning lesson. Hetrick said the students later practice what they saw in the video on the
bus while wearing masks. “It’s only directed to the kids that are sitting in that seat [that must perform the evacuation],” Hetrick said. “[It serves as] a reminder, you open this window, you use this roof hatch. Not all the kids get the hands-on [experience], but at least they see where the exits are throughout the bus, and it still qualifies for our required twice-a-year fire and emergency drills.” In addition to the students, the bus drivers are required to rview the video
at quarterly in-service meetings. Hetrick added that some drivers do partic- ipate in the hands-on student training evacuations, so the video and drills cover state requirements as well. While she added that she anticipates the video becoming a standard
practice at Bondurant-Farrar, she imagines it will need updates. For instance, the district will be purchasing its first bus with lap/shoulder seatbelts, as required by the state of Iowa on all school buses purchased after October 2019. The video will need to include buckling and unbuckling procedures, for example. Meanwhile, Beaufort County School District in South Carolina held an
abbreviated bus evacuation drill this year due to the pandemic. Director of Transportation Eldridge Black, Jr., said students are normally expected to perform in-person exercises. But this school year is not normal. Black explained that the training was performed similar to safety instructions provided by flight attendants.
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Watch Bondurant-Farrar CSD’s evacuation video.
www.stnonline.com 21
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