Nick McWilliams reporting – As news of mass shootings continues to take headline spots, the city of New Philadelphia is ramping up efforts to keep citizens safe.

Mayor Joel Day told council that the city is looking to implement safety plans on a city-wide level, including New Philadelphia City School District, Tuscarawas Central Catholic Middle and High School, Buckeye Career Center, and Kent State University Tuscarawas.

He says that the idea gives greater chance for multiple parts to come together for better safety solutions in schools, churches, and businesses.

“The goal will be to review each institution’s active shooter and other security measures so that our police and fire departments learn them and can offer recommendations to improve them. Once that is achieved, we will move on to our churches, then businesses.”

City department heads and New Phila administrative leaders spearheaded the idea, and are launching a campaign to focus on any potential gaps in safety measures.

Additionally, the plan would better educate all members of the community how to respond to various situations.

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