As Georgia students prepare to return to the classroom, law enforcement and other emergency personnel are preparing plans to keep them safe. Active school shooter drills are being conducted on campuses across Northeast Georgia. This week, July 25-28, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office will conduct its training at Habersham Central High School.
The sheriff’s office says there will be “multiple public safety vehicles on campus” during this training. The public should not be alarmed.
“Realistic, routine training in the environments where situations may occur is paramount,” explains HCSO Public Information Officer Kevin Angell. “Sheriff Terrell and our partners at Habersham Schools continue to take steps toward ensuring a safe 2022-2023 school year.”
The training at Central is one of several activities the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office has planned and executed as part of those efforts, Angell says.
Meanwhile, Hall County is continuing its training. One week ago, Hall County law enforcement leaders, emergency rescue personnel and school district officials held a tabletop exercise, sharing ideas and solidifying plans for a possible school shooter event. On Friday, Hall County emergency teams participated in an active shooter scenario; this week, more teams will go through a similar exercise.
“Preparation and practice are vital when it comes to protecting our students and teachers!” the Hall County Sheriff’s Office says.
Jackson County students return to class at the end of this month, July 29; that’s the earliest public school opening day this year in Northeast Georgia. Union County has the latest start date for students – August 12. Other area county schools open as follows:
August 1: Elbert, Hart, Madison, Stephens
August 3: Athens-Clarke, Banks, Oconee
August 4: Towns
August 5: Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Rabun, White
