(ATLANTA) — The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) congratulates Dr. Edmond T. Heatley, superintendent for the Clayton County School System, for adopting an approved safety plan.  

“By creating comprehensive safety plans for all 64 schools with specific procedures for a variety of threats, Clayton County school officials have demonstrated their commitment to school safety and emergency preparedness,” says GEMA Director Charley English. “They did this just in time for September, National Preparedness Month -- a time when the community is encouraged to take action and prepare for natural and man-made disasters.”

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 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.

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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