(ATLANTA) — The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) congratulates Ed Smith, superintendent for Troup County Schools, for updating the district’s safety plan. The plan has been re-approved.  

“The severe weather Georgia experienced recently, including flooding and tornadoes, caused a great deal of damage throughout the state and numerous school closings,” says GEMA Director Charley English. “This illustrates that school administrators cannot become complacent; they must regularly rethink their plans. We commend Troup County School officials for their continuing efforts to ensure safety and security in all 22 schools.”

By law, every public school in Georgia must 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. This is the second time the Troup County School System has successfully met the requirements of the law.

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 includes site surveys, classes on 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 at (404) 635-7000 or visit www.gema.ga.gov. For more information on specific risks in your area and how to prepare for them, contact your local emergency management agency and visit www.ready.ga.gov.

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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.ga.gov
www.ready.ga.gov
www.georgia911.org