(ATLANTA) - The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) congratulates Benjamin R. Hyatt, superintendent for the Heard County School System, for adopting an approved safety plan.

"The new year brings a renewed focus on school safety," says GEMA Director Charley English. "We congratulate Heard County school officials for creating detailed safety plans for all five schools that that address how to prepare for and respond to natural and man-made emergencies."

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.