(ATLANTA) — The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) recognized Scott K. Cowart, superintendent of the Monroe County School System, and his staff on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, for adopting an approved safety plan.  

“Monroe County school officials have spent a great deal of effort working with their school safety coordinator to develop a plan that ensures people will respond correctly when an emergency or disaster threatens,” says GEMA Director Charley English.

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.

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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.state.ga.us
www.georgia911.org