What action is NOT recommended to prepare riders for an emergency evacuation?

Encouraging students to use the fire extinguisher is not a recommended action to prepare riders for an emergency evacuation. The primary focus during an evacuation is to safely exit the bus as quickly as possible rather than dealing with potential fires. School bus evacuations are designed to prioritize the swift and safe departure of all passengers.

In emergency situations, the bus driver's responsibility is to manage the evacuation and ensure that all students are led to safety. While the use of a fire extinguisher might be important in certain scenarios, it is not a part of standard evacuation training. Training students to handle such equipment can lead to confusion and delay during an emergency, which undermines the primary goal of evacuating passengers safely and efficiently.

Practicing evacuation procedures, training students to help evacuate, and securing the bus are all critical components of emergency preparedness for riders. They foster a collaborative environment where everyone knows their role, ensuring a smooth evacuation process when needed.