This bill adds a new code section O.C.G.A. § 20-1A-19, to require that by January 1, 2016, early care and education programs provide safety plans, similar to those already required for k-12, which address a number of emergency situations.  The bill also requires monthly reviews and updates, as well as drills throughout the year.

This bill also amends current O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1185 to add to the k-12 emergency plans provisions for tornadoes, snow and ice storms, earthquakes, floods, and fires.

By January 1, 2016, school safety plans must address:

• = Evacuation and safely moving and transporting students to an alternate site.
• = The training of staff on evacuation routes, procedures, and responsibilities of staff and students.
• = Procedures for notifying parents and legal guardians.
• = Reunification of students with parents and legal guardians in cases where such students require sheltering in place or relocation in cases of emergency.
• = Maintaining a list of phone numbers and next of kin for each student for use in cases of emergency where contact cannot be made with the parent or legal guardian.
• =  Accommodation of students and staff with disabilities who may require special access and needs.

The bill also requires that on January 15^th of every year, the directory of emergency management to report to the General Assembly on school safety plans and the overall preparedness of schools in Georgia for emergencies provided in this Code Section.