(Atlanta) — The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) congratulates Dr. Timothy Lull, superintendent of the Walton County School System, and his staff for updating the district’s safety plan. The plan has been re-approved.

“Walton County school officials work tirelessly to make sure school safety remains on the front burner,” says GEMA Director Charley English. “They regularly consult with their GEMA school safety coordinator and local emergency management officials to review policies and procedures and conduct safety audits.”

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. Plans must be reassessed every two years. This is the second time the Walton County School System has successfully met the requirements of the law.

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. GEMA also has developed a model safety plan as a guide for local schools and helps them to develop their plans.

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