California Emergency Management Agency Secretary Mark Ghilarducci, the governor’s top Homeland Security advisor, urges California’s parents and educators to remain vigilant in the wake of the tragic school shooting in Connecticut on Friday.

“Friday’s shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School was unimaginable and horrific. As a parent, I can only imagine the pain and grief that the victim’s parents, family members and fellow educators are feeling,” said Ghilarducci.  

He added, “This tragic event is a sobering reminder that threats like this, even as infrequent as they are, can happen anywhere. I urge all educators, teachers, parents and community members to pay attention to signs of distress in others and potential risks to the public. Don’t wait. If you think something isn’t right, report it right away.”

Ghilarducci recommends all schools should also review and ensure their emergency plans and security procedures are in place, up to date and understood.

Ghilarducci noted that Friday’s shooting was the second mass shooting in less than a week. Three people were killed at a Portland, Ore., mall after a gunman open fire on innocent shoppers this past Tuesday.

“Remember that the signs of a tragic event may be visible long before it comes to a violent conclusion,” said Secretary Ghilarducci. “If you know someone that is suffering from mental illness, grief, loss or exhibiting unusual behavior see that they receive counseling or treatment from a professional.”

The California Emergency Management Agency has put together a resource Web page for parents, teachers and anyone wanting to know how to get involved in making our schools and workplaces safer:

• Safety in Our Schools - California Emergency Management Agency: http://bit.ly/UoQXE0 ;
• How to Report Suspicious Activity - Department of Homeland Security: http://1.usa.gov/UJEueC ;
• Helping Children Manage Distress After a Shooting - American Psychological Association: http://bit.ly/UJED1M ;
• Gun Violence at School: Safety Tips – www.Kidpower.org (California workshop services) : http://bit.ly/USAjuV .

Additional updates will be posted to www.calema.ca.gov and Cal EMA’s Twitter feed.