News Releases

Walton EMC Helps Partner School Prepare for Emergencies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2004

Contact Greg Brooks, 770/266-2307
Contact Katie Woodall, 770/266-2572

MONROE, Ga. – Walton Electric Membership Corporation has given Carver Middle School a gift it hopes will never be used.

As part of a preparedness plan, Carver Middle School Resource Officer Bob Gilbert envisioned assembling a teacher emergency kit to be placed in every classroom.   The kit will make students more comfortable and safe in event of an extended classroom lockdown or other emergency.

Carver administrators wanted to fill a backpack with several items, including a flashlight, first aid kit, pens, paper, snacks and class roster.   They described their plan at a Partners in Education meeting that Walton EMC regularly attends.

“The biggest need we had for the kit was the backpack itself,” said Principal Sean Callahan.   “We were hoping for a standard bag for the entire school.   That's when Walton EMC stepped up.”

Walton donated backpacks for each classroom with “Teacher Emergency Kit” printed on the outside.   The backpacks are color-coded so school administrators can tell at a glance the grade level of the teacher carrying it.

The customer-owned power company also donated flashlights and batteries to get the kits started.

“Everyone is concerned about school safety,” said Walton EMC's Greg Brooks.   “We're glad we could be a part of helping our partner school take care of its students in emergencies.”

Walton EMC is a customer-owned power company that serves 110,000 accounts over its ten-county service area between Atlanta and Athens.   It's subsidiary, Walton EMC Natural Gas, serves natural gas accounts statewide.

Teachers at Carver Middle School in Monroe, Georgia will be able to help students during emergencies by using their new emergency kits.   Partner in Education Walton EMC provided backpacks and flashlights to get the project started.   Pictured are Assistant Principal David Todd, Principal Sean Callahan, Parent Involvement Coordinator Emily Hunter, Walton EMC Communications Coordinator Greg Brooks, Assistant Principal Zedric Barber and School Resource Officer Bob Gilbert.

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