(ATLANTA) — The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) recognized Dr. Howard H. Hendley, superintendent of Thomaston-Upson Schools, and his staff on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, for adopting an approved safety plan.  

“Officials from Thomaston-Upson Schools have started off the school year on the right foot,” says GEMA Director Charley English. “They have worked with local emergency management agency officials to create a district-wide safety plan that addresses issues such as natural disasters, acts of violence and safe evacuation during an emergency.”

In 1999, legislation was passed that requires every public school in Georgia to develop and implement a wide-ranging safety plan that addresses acts of violence or terrorism, natural disasters, hazardous materials and radiological incidents. GEMA’s School Safety Unit has developed a planning guide for schools to help them create their plans.

In addition, GEMA’s School Safety Unit provides services that help schools have a safe and secure school year. GEMA’s school safety coordinators offer training and technical assistance to educators, emergency management and public safety personnel. This training includes site surveys and safety audits, weapons screening, school bus safety, gangs, bullying, exercise design and bomb threat management. They also respond to school crises.

For more information on school safety or GEMA’s School Safety Unit, call GEMA toll-free in Georgia at 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit www.gema.state.ga.us.

# # #

Post Office Box 18055 - Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055
Phone (404) 635-7000 or toll-free in Georgia 1-800-TRY-GEMA - Fax (404)635-7205
www.gema.state.ga.us