18. Vehicle Alarms for Transportation

Question 1

Vehicle Alarms for Transportation

Answer 1

~ must have an alarm system installed in each vehicle used to transport children
~ the alarm requirement serves as an additional safety measure to be used alongside the log in an effort to ensure NO child is left in a vehicle
~ drivers are responsible for the children they transport and vehicle alarm systems are designed to offer support in reminding drivers to check their vehicle when children are exiting
~ in addition to accounting for all children, ensuring they are safely on board, and updating the transportation log at each stop, drivers must inspect the vehicle to ensure no child is left inside
~ to remind drivers of this crucial step in safely transporting children, the state of Florida has mandated the use of vehicle alarms
~ a vehicle alarm system is intended to alert and remind the driver of a vehicle to conduct a visual and physical inspection
~ once the alarm sounds, the driver must exit the vehicle, check the vehicle for children, and manually deactivate the alarm
~ the driver must then update the transportation log according to the Department’s requirements

Alarm systems installed before October 1, 2021, will be automatically grandfathered in for this standard.

Question 2

The following is a suggested method to use to meet both
requirements upon arrival at the location. The driver must:

Answer 2

1. Unload the children
2. Complete a visual sweep
3. Deactivate the alarm
4. Update the transportation log immediately—verifying that all children are accounted for and the visual sweep was completed
5. Escort the children inside

Immediately following, the second personnel must complete the second visual sweep of the vehicle and document it on the transportation log.