Houston Independent School District implements counter-terrorism training

The Houston Independent School District transportation department implemented counter-terrorism training to prepare bus drivers for emergency situations.

According to a press release, the training included a mock disaster drill held Aug. 9 from 9-10 a.m. at 6351 Pinemont Drive.

The drill involved using an older model school bus overturned on its side as a hands-on learning lab for district bus drivers and attendants.

Staff were able to use previous training such as student management, emergency evacuation and counter-terrorism to handle the scenario.

The drill also involved staged human injuries, allowing bus drivers and attendants to put first-aid training they received in May to the test.

"We can never prepare our drivers and attendants too much to be successful on the road," said Chester Glaude, Houston Independent School District transportation senior manager, in the release. "It is important that our team is fully prepared for all situations to make sure that HISD children feel comfortable and safe on our school buses."

Besides learning about and practicing technical skills during the disaster drill, bus drivers and attendants were reminded of the importance of performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus, and looking for suspicious items such as canisters, metal boxes or containers and immediately reporting these items.

For more information, call 713-556-6005 or visit houstonisd.org.