Last fall’s massive storm on the East Coast created a surge of challenges for student transportation in New York City, from flooded bus yards and offices to fuel and equipment shortages. Here’s an overview of the crisis and how the city’s Office of Pupil Transportation responded.

Pupil transportation officials must have access to medical information on the students they are transporting, especially when the students are dependent on medical equipment and others for their care. They must also have a well-developed evacuation plan for all students that they transport.

To ensure students’ safety, transportation managers must implement a procedure for this effort that includes scheduled onsite reviews and a means to efficiently communicate the hazards to staff. School bus drivers, local and state police, and local emergency operations centers should be involved.

Super-fog is a combination of smoke and early morning water vapor that produces zero visibility over roadways. When it impacts a Florida operation, buses are convoyed out of the terminals until they reach a clear area, and a “pre-warning” procedure is developed.

Physical security such as fences and video surveillance, in addition to providing your drivers and other staff with ID badges and safety training, can go a long way in securing your bus yard.

Developing an emergency preparedness plan based on command, control and communication can help to reduce injuries and potentially save lives. Building relationships with first responders can ensure your operation’s viability in the emergency response cycle by bringing awareness of what it has to offer during crises.