Active shooter drills are mandatory in Georgia schools
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A new law requires annual active shooter drills at schools in Georgia, and that may have played a role in authorities’ response to Wednesday’s shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County.
The measure requires every public school to complete an active shooter drill by Oct. 1 of each year. Students are required to participate, although districts can choose to allow parents to opt their children out.
School districts have to report completion of the drills to state officials.
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The measure also requires the state Professional Standards Commission to create a school safety and anti-gang license endorsement for teachers and other certified personnel who complete a training program in it.
The legislation amended an existing law requiring that school safety plans be submitted yearly to not only local law enforcement but also the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
Some of that training seemed to kick in on Wednesday.
One student said he heard the gunshots in his classroom and the teacher lept into action, getting the the students into lockdown position.
Another student named Ximena considered her teacher heroic for keeping her students when the gunfire erupted in the classroom next door.
What should you do if you find yourself in an active shooter situation?
The Department of Homeland Security says you should evacuate as the first choice. If that’s not possible, then hide out. And then if that’s not an option or if you are discovered, fight back.
When law enforcement arrives:
- Stay calm and follow officers’ instructions.
- Put down any items in your hands.
- Raise your hands and spread your fingers
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