Emergency Preparedness Tips for School Bus Fleets

Keep Your School Buses Maintained and Road-Ready

Preventing emergencies starts with consistent maintenance. Routine inspections and service reduce the risk of sudden mechanical failure. Make sure your maintenance schedule includes:

• Brake system checks
• Tire inspections
• Heating and defrost system testing
• Battery load testing
• Lights, wipers, and signals

Voigt’s offers full-service maintenance and inspections explicitly designed for school buses, helping you identify issues early and avoid road incidents that could have been prevented.

Equip Every School Bus With Emergency Supplies

Each school bus should be stocked with essential emergency equipment. Beyond what’s required by law, consider adding items to handle medical issues, bad weather, or roadside delays:

• First aid kit (fully stocked and regularly checked)
• Fire extinguisher
• Reflective triangles or flares
• Emergency blankets
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• High-visibility safety vest
• Cell phone backup charger or battery pack

Drivers should be aware of where all items are stored and how to use them in a stressful situation.

Train Drivers for Emergency Scenarios

Drivers are the first responders in the event of a school bus emergency. Make sure they’re trained to act quickly and calmly. Prepare them with:

• Step-by-step evacuation procedures
• Basic first aid training
• Handling mechanical failures on the road
• Managing student behavior in high-stress situations
• Communication protocols with dispatch or emergency services

Voigt’s partners with transportation directors and safety managers to help reinforce these procedures as part of a long-term fleet strategy.

Keep Communication Clear and Reliable

Your school bus fleet needs a real-time communication system. Cell phones and two-way radios should be tested frequently. Drivers should also have a printed list of emergency contacts in case of a technology failure.

If your district uses a parent notification system, confirm it’s integrated with your transportation schedule and emergency plans. A delay in messaging can create unnecessary panic.

Build Emergency Plans With Local Services

Collaborate with local police, fire departments, and EMS providers to develop emergency protocols tailored to your specific routes. Share maps, pickup locations, and student headcounts where appropriate. Familiarity with your fleet and staff can speed up response time during a real emergency.

Also, keep updated copies of your emergency plan in every bus, as well as in your dispatch office and administration building.