Media Release: BRSD Transportation Evacuation Initiative for School Bus Safety Week

BRSD Transportation Evacuation Initiative for School Bus Safety Week

During School Bus Safety Week, Battle River School Division (BRSD) is conducting a bus evacuation safety initiative at its schools throughout the division. As per the Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council, School Bus Safety Week occurs the third week of October. BRSD will be practicing practical hands-on exercises with school students and staff from October 21 to 25, 2024.

BRSD Transportation supplied schools with safety procedure information and tips for inside and outside of the bus, and provided teaching tools for safe evacuation that schools could present to students prior to the scheduled demonstrations. All school bus drivers are required to watch a safety video as part of this training.

Students will participate in thirty-minute demonstrations, commencing with a discussion on the importance of staying clear of the school bus’s danger zone. Proper loading and unloading, safe waiting locations and crossing techniques will also be reviewed.

Additionally, emergency equipment will be identified, and the three common types of evacuations will be explored, culminating in a rear-door emergency evacuation drill.

Inside the bus, bus drivers will address proper conduct and risks of not adhering to school bus safety rules. Students will be provided the opportunity to practice learnings and skills to prepare them for potential future emergency evacuations.

BRSD Transportation appreciates this opportunity to engage with BRSD students for this important initiative during School Bus Safety Week. BRSD Transportation welcomes questions and discussion opportunities, so please reach out to the team at transportation@brsd.ab.ca.