Emergency kits on board school buses are essential to keeping students and drivers prepared when the unexpected happens. Being able to respond quickly and effectively can minimize risks and damages, making these kits a critical part of every school bus set-up. At a minimum, each school bus emergency kit should include items like a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and emergency reflectors for breakdowns. While these basics are required by law in many states, there are other optional items that can be useful in certain scenarios. Keep in mind that emergency kit requirements vary, so be sure to check your state and local regulations to confirm the specific requirements and best practices for your district. Read on for a full list of items transportation departments should pack into their school bus emergency kits to be as prepared as possible.
1. Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is an absolute must-have in a school bus emergency kit, and having one outfitted and properly working is actually legally required in most states. A fire extinguisher can help to put out a small fire quickly, or at least minimize the damage that it causes until emergency services arrive. To ensure the fire extinguisher will work if it is ever needed, it should be regularly serviced each year to make sure it’s in good working condition. Be sure to always check the expiration dates as well.
2. First Aid Kit
First aid kits are also a legal on-board requirement for school buses in most states. These should always be stocked with supplies, such as bandages, antiseptics, antibiotic cream, and such, so that minor injuries can be tended to quickly. Be sure to check these over a few times per year to replace any used or expired items.
3. Emergency Reflectors
These are important for breakdowns or other emergency scenarios where a school bus may need to pull over or stop in an emergency. Having reflectors on school buses is also legally required in most states. Emergency reflectors help to make sure that the bus is visible to emergency services and other drivers while stopped on the side of the road. Be sure to check these occasionally as well.
4. Other Non-Required Basics
Beyond the three legally-required items in your emergency kits, some districts choose to keep additional items for emergencies. These include water bottles, non-perishable food items, flashlights, whistles, blankets, and a basic toolkit. Flashlights are especially important for school buses that travel at night or during periods of low visibility, in case of an outage. Food and water can also make a difference in breakdowns that could occur in rural areas where help may need awhile to arrive. Some districts may even choose to stock items such as whistles, radios, and compasses. These can be especially useful in rural communities with wide areas where cell signal doesn’t reach. While most of these emergency items will never be used, it is helpful to have them just in case.
5. Seasonal Items
Finally, some districts may choose to keep some seasonal items in their emergency kits, with items specific to emergencies in both the summer and winter seasons. For instance, districts may choose to stash extra water and portable fans in the summer and emergency blankets and warmer items in the winter. This is prevalent in areas with more frigid winters or more sweltering summers.
With school districts being responsible for keeping school buses safe and emergency-ready, it is essential to make sure that there are emergency kits on board each school bus. Items for these kits should include legally required items such as a fire extinguisher, emergency reflectors, and a first aid kit, as well as optional extras such as extra tools, flashlights, blankets, and seasonal items.
EZRouting trip management software can help school districts to stay on top of their emergency kit management, with the ability to keep track of what items are on board their buses and to keep a log of restocking and maintenance of these items as well. In addition, in case of an emergency, EZRouting provides tools for two-way real-time communication, helping dispatchers quickly find substitute buses and drivers. Our customizable seating chart and live student tracking can also provide the police with accurate information when it is needed. Contact us today to learn more about how EZRouting can help your transportation department with all of its needs.