"Planning for a crisis is essential," says GEMA director Mike Sherberger. "White County school officials have created a safety plan that addresses prevention, response and recovery, and is responsive to the needs of all five schools and 3,700 students."
Also recognized at the ceremony was William Wright, director of the White County Emergency Management Agency, who provided his expertise to the school system during the planning process.
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 has developed a model safety plan as a guide for local schools and help them develop their plans.
GEMA's School Safety Unit also provides services that help schools have a healthy and safe 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.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/7/155725