Last week, Troup County School System employees that have been designated as members of the Emergency Safety Team all gathered with local law enforcement to simulate and prepare for emergencies that may take place in a school building, according to a press release from TCSS. They reviewed safety procedures from chemical spills to fire safety and active shooter response protocol.

The trainings are a continuation of the partnership between the school system and local safety enforcement personnel. 

In attendance were principals and administrators, teachers, custodians, school resource officers and personnel from the police force, sheriff’s office, and first responders. 

During the table top exercise, two simulated, non-harmful gun shots rang out in the boardroom and across the administrative services building as a part of the training. 

“It’s important that our people in the schools know what a real gunfire sounds like,” said LPD Lt. Lohr in the press release. “As law enforcement officers, we regularly hear those sounds, but our school employees don’t. Simulating gunfire helps them be more prepared and not panic if an active event were to occur.” After the drill, the Citizens Response to Active Shooter Event Training was led by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. 

In addition, school personnel reviewed portions of their safety plan to ensure it still meets the needs of students and teachers in the buildings. Safety talks and exercises have been in place for over a year when the school system and local law enforcement signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work closely together to increase school safety measures. 

New to all TCSS employees this school year are online courses from SafeSchools that will be implemented soon. 

These courses offer award winning safety and compliance solutions that help prepare staff on essential topics in subjects related to social and behavioral, environmental, emergency management and security, and human resources and employment.