"Last week's storms prove that tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can occur at any time," says GEMA Director Charley English. "We applaud Mr. Phillips and his staff for creating solid safety plans for all three schools that outline actions to take before, during and after a natural or man-made emergency."
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.
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 and safety audits and 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 toll-free in Georgia at 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit www.gema.state.ga.us. For more information on specific risks in your area and how to prepare for them, contact your local emergency management agency.
