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

“The effectiveness of the response to a school crisis is directly linked to having a current, comprehensive safety plan,” says GEMA Director Charley English. “Dougherty County school officials have thoroughly reviewed the safety plans for all 28 schools, modifying them as needed, to help ensure that the response to any emergency is timely, orderly and efficient.”

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 Dougherty 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 toll-free in Georgia at 1-800-TRY-GEMA 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