(ATLANTA) - The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) congratulates Mr. Charles E. Ellington Jr., superintendent for the Treutlen County School System, for adopting an approved safety plan. 

"Disaster can strike at any time without warning, and safety is key for the new year," says GEMA Director Charley English. "We congratulate Treutlen County school officials for implementing integrated safety plans for all four schools that will help ensure an effective response to any emergency, natural or man-made."

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.