GEMA recognizes Darlington for implementing approved safety plan

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) congratulates the administration of Darlington School for adopting an approved safety plan. Copies of this plan will be visible and easily accessible in all classrooms, offices and residence halls during the 2010-11 school year.

 

Every public school in Georgia is required by law to 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. However, private schools are not required to comply with the law. Darlington has had a campus-wide safety plan for the past several years, but this is the first time the school has gone through the official approval process with GEMA.

 

“By going through the approval process, Darlington School officials have demonstrated their continuing commitment to safety and quality education,” says GEMA/Homeland Security Director Charley English. “Not only are school officials planning for acts of violence, but also extreme weather. This is national Lightning Safety Week, which serves as a great reminder about the importance of keeping children safe from lightning strikes. Darlington was among the first private schools in the country to install a lightning detection system in 2004, and the system was expanded to include its new middle school facility in 2009. This summer, Darlington has expanded it further to include its indoor swimming pool area so they can evacuate the pool quickly when lightning approaches.”

 

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 and visit www.ready.ga.gov.